Direct Reduction of the Funding Amount
The crediting of income and assets of the applicant and their parents results in a reduction of the Bafög funding amount. If the credited amounts exceed the established allowances, the excess amount is proportionally distributed over the approval period and reduces the monthly Bafög benefit. The aim of this regulation is to concentrate the state funding on applicants who are in need of financial support.
Crediting of Personal Income
The applicant’s own income that exceeds the monthly allowance of 520 Euros is credited to the funding. The exceeding amount is divided over the months of the approval period. As a result, the monthly funding is reduced by the correspondingly calculated amount. This applies to income from side jobs, internship compensations, and self-employment.
Crediting of Parental Income
The income of the parents is also credited to the Bafög funding, provided it exceeds the basic allowance. The excess amount is considered proportionally and reduces the possible funding amount. The higher the assessable income of the parents, the lower the funding amount. If the income significantly exceeds the crediting limit, the entitlement to Bafög ceases.
Crediting of Assets
Assets of the applicant that exceed the allowances of 15,000 Euros (up to 29 years) or 45,000 Euros (from 30 years) are also credited to the funding. The excess amount is distributed over the months of the approval period, reducing the monthly Bafög benefit. Assets that fall below the allowances remain non-creditable and do not influence the funding.
Example of Calculation
Assuming an applicant has a monthly income of 700 Euros from a side job and assets of 20,000 Euros. After deducting the income allowance of 520 Euros, 180 Euros remain as creditable income. For assets, the allowance is 15,000 Euros, so 5,000 Euros are credited. The 180 Euros of income and the 5,000 Euros of assets are proportionally distributed over the approval period, leading to a monthly reduction in the Bafög funding.
Special Regulations for Maintenance Obligations
If the applicant has maintenance obligations to spouses or children, the allowances increase accordingly. This allows a larger portion of income and assets to be exempt from being credited, thereby reducing the impacts on the funding amount. This regulation aims to ensure that applicants with family obligations are not disproportionately burdened.
Avoiding Excesses
Applicants can minimize the impacts of crediting on the funding amount by ensuring that they do not exceed the allowances. Particularly with side jobs and internship compensations, it is advisable to keep the monthly income below the allowance limit. This way, the Bafög funding can be maintained in full.
Impact on Entitlement
If the creditable income or assets exceed a certain threshold, the entitlement to Bafög may be completely lost. In such cases, the application is rejected as it is assumed that the applicant or their parents have the means to finance the training themselves. This threshold varies depending on individual circumstances and the height of the allowances.
Subsequent Changes
If the income or assets change during the approval period, for example due to inheritances or a salary increase, this can subsequently affect the funding amount. The applicant is obliged to inform the Bafög office of such changes immediately. The office adjusts the funding accordingly to avoid overpayment or reductions.