Basis of Recognition
When applying for Bafög, the applicant’s income from side jobs is taken into account to determine the amount of funding. As long as the income from a side job does not exceed the monthly allowance of 520 euros, it remains non-contributory. If the income exceeds this allowance, the surplus amount will be charged against the Bafög funding.
Income from Mini-Jobs
Income from mini-jobs, where the monthly income is a maximum of 520 euros, remains completely non-contributory. Therefore, mini-jobs are a popular way for Bafög recipients to earn additional money during their vocational training (Ausbildung) without reducing their funding. However, if the limit of 520 euros is exceeded, the exceeding amount will be accounted for.
Recognition for Higher Incomes
If the applicant works in a side job with a monthly income exceeding 520 euros, the surplus amount will be proportionately accounted for during the funding period. This means that the applicant does not have to apply the whole excessive income immediately, but rather the amount will be distributed over the months of the approval period, thereby reducing the monthly Bafög support accordingly.
Example of Recognition
For instance, if an applicant earns 700 euros in a side job each month. The allowance is 520 euros, leaving 180 euros as reportable income. This amount is divided over the months of the approval period. In a twelve-month approval period, this results in a monthly charge of 15 euros that will be deducted from the Bafög funding.
Special Regulations for Multiple Side Jobs
If the applicant has multiple side jobs, the incomes from all jobs are added together. The allowance of 520 euros applies to the total income from side jobs, not for each individual job. If the total income exceeds the allowance, the excess amount will be charged.
Income from Short-term Employment
Income from short-term employment, which is limited to a maximum of three months or 70 working days per year, is also taken into account. The recognition is carried out as with regular side jobs, provided that the income exceeds the allowance limit.
Proof of Income
The applicant is required to fully disclose all income from side jobs and provide corresponding proof. The necessary documents include:
- Pay slips or wage certificates.
- Employment contracts for short-term employment.
- Employer certificates regarding the duration of employment and the income paid.
Impact on Funding
The recognition of income from side jobs may lead to a reduction in Bafög funding. However, the allowance of 520 euros ensures that applicants with minor income from side jobs receive their funding in full. For higher incomes, only the excess amount is accounted for, minimizing the financial burden on the applicant.