hilfsbedürftige

Hilfsbedürftige is a term used in German social policy to describe people who cannot cover their basic living costs without external support. The expression emphasizes a dependency on aid from family, communities, or the state. In current official usage, the more common designation is Hilfebedürftige, while Hilfsbedürftige appears in older texts or general language.

Legal framework and forms of assistance: In Germany, eligibility and support for Hilfebedürftige are defined in the Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB). The main provisions are SGB II (Grundsicherung für Arbeitsuchende) and SGB XII (Sozialhilfe). SGB II primarily covers those who are able to work and their dependents and provides basic security through benefits and services. SGB XII covers those who are unable to support themselves due to age, disability, or long-term incapacity. Benefits can include cash payments, housing and energy subsidies, and access to social services. Eligibility is determined on the basis of income, assets, needs, and personal circumstances, with means testing and assessment of the capacity to work.

Rights and responsibilities: Hilfebedürftige may apply for benefits at local job centers or Sozialämter and must cooperate with authorities, provide information, and participate in required programs or integration measures. The aim of the support is to ensure a minimum standard of living and enable participation in society, while encouraging self-sufficiency where possible.

Notes: The term can carry social stigma; policy discussions often focus on adequacy of benefits, scope of support, and the balance between assistance and incentives for employment. See also Sozialhilfe, Grundsicherung, and Sozialleistungen.