Definition of Additional Earnings
Additional earnings refer to supplementary income that is generated alongside the main activity, which in this case is vocational training (Ausbildung). This includes income from side jobs, mini-jobs, self-employment, or occasional work. When applying for housing benefit, all additional earnings must be reported and evidenced.
Importance of Additional Earnings for Housing Benefit
Since housing benefit is a needs-based provision, additional earnings are fully included in the calculation of total income. If the total income, including additional earnings, exceeds the income limits, entitlement to housing benefit may be lost. Therefore, it is crucial that additional earnings are reported correctly and completely.
Consideration of Mini-jobs
Mini-jobs with an income of up to 520 euros per month are also taken into account when calculating housing benefit. However, standard deductions for business expenses are made from this income. After these deductions, the remaining net income is considered.
Self-employment as Additional Income
If an apprentice is engaged in self-employment alongside their vocational training (Ausbildung), the income from this activity will also be considered. The housing benefit office requires a profit and loss statement or tax assessments to determine the average monthly income from self-employment.
Exemptions for Additional Earnings
For certain types of additional earnings, exemptions may be granted. For example, there is an exemption of up to 3,000 euros per year for income from voluntary activities according to § 3 No. 26 EStG (exercise instructor flat rate). These earnings remain exempt from consideration up to this limit and do not affect housing benefit.
Verification of Additional Earnings
To submit an application, all additional earnings must be verified with appropriate documents. This includes pay slips, bank statements, or tax assessments. The housing benefit office will review these documents to determine the applicant’s total income and calculate the entitlement to housing benefit.
Variable Additional Earnings
If the amount of additional earnings fluctuates monthly, an average value will be used for the calculation of housing benefit. Apprentices who have seasonal side jobs must provide evidence of average earnings over a longer period to account for fluctuations.
No Housing Benefit with Excessive Additional Earnings
If the additional earnings combined with the vocational training remuneration (Ausbildung) result in total income exceeding the established income limits, the entitlement to housing benefit may be lost. In such cases, it is advisable to seek assistance from the housing benefit office in order to clarify potential entitlements in advance.