Significance of the Amount for Spouses of Parents
The amount for spouses of parents serves to protect the income of the spouse, who is not the biological parent of the applicant, partially from being counted towards the BAföG needs. The goal of this regulation is to ensure that the spouse of the parent also has sufficient financial resources for their own livelihood.
Amount of the Allowance
The monthly amount for the spouse of the parent currently stands at 1,605 euros. This amount is considered in addition to the basic allowances of the respective parent. Income below this threshold is not included in the assessment of the countable income. If the income of the spouse exceeds the amount, only the excess income is counted in the BAföG calculation.
Requirements for Granting the Amount
The allowance is only granted if the parent earning the income is married and the parent’s spouse is not the biological parent of the applicant. If the parents of the applicant live together and are both biological parents, no additional amount for the spouse is granted, as both parents already have their own basic allowances.
Counting Income Exceeding the Allowance
Only the income of the spouse that exceeds the allowance of 1,605 euros is counted towards the BAföG needs. This income is added to the countable income of the parent and is included in the calculation of the applicant’s funding amount.
Special Regulations for Parents Living Apart
If the parents live apart and the parent with whom the applicant does not live is remarried, the amount for the new spouse is granted. The condition is that the biological parent has an obligation to support the applicant and earns income that is considered in the BAföG calculation.
Documentation to Claim the Amount
To claim the amount for the spouse of the parent, the following documentation must be provided:
- Marriage certificate or proof of marriage between the parent and the spouse.
- Proof of the spouse’s income (e.g., tax assessments or salary statements).
- Certificate of residence showing that the parent and spouse live together.
Impact of the Amount on the Funding
The amount for spouses of parents reduces the countable income of the parent and can thereby lead to higher BAföG funding. This regulation primarily relieves families where one parent is remarried and the spouse earns their own income. By only counting the exceeding income, it prevents the income of the new spouse from disproportionately reducing the applicant’s funding.