Jobcenter
Bewilligungsbescheid (decision granting benefits) from the Jobcenter: what to check
What this letter means
With the Bewilligungsbescheid (decision granting benefits) the Jobcenter decides on your application for Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support, until June 2026: Bürgergeld). It sets out how much money you and the other people in your Bedarfsgemeinschaft (benefit household) receive and for which months.
The approval period (Bewilligungszeitraum) is usually one year. It should be shortened to six months if the Jobcenter only decides provisionally or if your costs for housing and heating are considered too high (§ 41 Abs. 3 SGB II).
The calculation sheets (Berechnungsbögen) show for each person the standard rate (Regelbedarf), any additional needs (Mehrbedarfe), the accepted costs for housing and heating, and any income that is counted. Mistakes often happen with the rent, with service charges (Nebenkosten) or with how income is counted.
If the decision says "vorläufig" (provisional), the Jobcenter will make a final decision later (§ 41a SGB II). This happens, for example, if your income changes from month to month. After the approval period, the Jobcenter asks for proof. This can lead to a back payment or a repayment demand.
What to do now
- 1Note the date of the decision and work out when the deadline ends.
- 2Check that all people in your household are listed with the correct standard rate.
- 3Compare the accepted rent and heating costs with your rental contract and the last service charge statement (Nebenkostenabrechnung).
- 4Check that the income counted matches your payslips or other proof.
- 5If the decision says "vorläufig", keep all proof of income for the approval period.
- 6Note the end of the approval period and submit the Weiterbewilligungsantrag (application to continue benefits) in good time before it ends.
- 7Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.
How you can reply
File a Widerspruch (objection)
If an amount is missing or calculated wrongly. The Widerspruch keeps the deadline, and you can send the reasons later.
Template: Widerspruch gegen einen Bescheid des JobcentersRequest access to your file (Akteneinsicht)
If you cannot understand how the Jobcenter did the calculation. You have a right to see your file (§ 25 SGB X).
Template: Akteneinsicht bei einer Behoerde beantragenSubmit an Überprüfungsantrag (request for review)
If the deadline for a Widerspruch has already passed and you find a mistake.
Template: Ueberpruefungsantrag beim Jobcenter (§ 44 SGB X)Common questions
Do I have to make a new application because of the change to Grundsicherungsgeld?
No. Current decisions remain valid. You only need a new application (Weiterbewilligungsantrag) when your approval period ends.
What does "vorläufige Bewilligung" (provisional approval) mean?
The Jobcenter pays on the basis of an estimate, usually because your income is not yet known. After the period ends, it makes a final decision (§ 41a SGB II). Send the requested proof within the deadline, otherwise a repayment demand may follow.
My decision still says "Bürgergeld". Is it valid?
Yes. Letters and forms are being changed step by step. A decision with the old term remains valid.
Can I file a Widerspruch against a Bewilligungsbescheid even though I receive money?
Yes. The Widerspruch is then directed against the amount, for example if an additional need (Mehrbedarf) or part of the rent is missing. Write it in German. The templates on this site are in German.
Sources (German law and official pages)
- § 41 SGB II: Berechnung der Leistungen und Bewilligungszeitraum
- § 41a SGB II: Vorläufige Entscheidung
- § 84 SGG: Frist und Form des Widerspruchs
- § 37 SGB X: Bekanntgabe des Verwaltungsaktes
- § 25 SGB X: Akteneinsicht durch Beteiligte
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Grundsicherungsgeld, Antrag und Bescheid
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Grundsicherungsgeld löst Bürgergeld ab
Research as of: 10 November 2026