Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz

Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG) is a German federal law enacted in 1993 as part of the country’s asylum reforms. It regulates the provision of social benefits to people who are in the asylum procedure or otherwise subject to the special welfare regime tied to asylum issues, rather than to those who receive benefits under the general social security system. The act distinguishes between monetary benefits (Regelleistungen) and in-kind or subsidized services (Sachleistungen) and assigns responsibility for payments to municipalities under the framework set by the federal government.

Key provisions cover the core subsistence needs of asylum seekers, including basic living costs, accommodation and heating, and access to necessary medical care and medicines. The law also provides for preventive health services and, for minors, access to education and participation in school life. It provides for additional benefits (Mehrbedarfe) in cases of special need, such as pregnancy, disability, or higher housing costs. When a residence status is changed or terminated, beneficiaries may transition to the standard social security regimes under the SGB II or SGB XII, depending on the situation.

Administration and scope: The AsylbLG is administered at the local level by municipalities within the terms defined by the federal legislation. The framework aims to ensure a minimum subsistence level during the asylum procedure while delineating a separate path from regular social benefits.

Reform and status: Since its enactment, the AsylbLG has been amended several times as part of ongoing asylum policy reforms. It remains a distinct component of Germany’s social security system, balancing the needs of asylum seekers with policy objectives and budgetary constraints.