Tens of thousands in Saxony-Anhalt: social assistance as a lifeline!

Tens of thousands in Saxony-Anhalt: social assistance as a lifeline!

How many people are dependent on social support is clearly evident in Saxony-Anhalt. In 2024, exactly 30,905 people in this region received social assistance. The Saxony-Anhalt State Statistical Office has published these figures, thereby illustrating the current social situation in the community. Social assistance is an important instrument to help residents cope with their everyday lives more independently and take part in community life. In addition to financial support, services for household management and participation in cultural activities are also provided to promote integration. [n-tv].

Social assistance is available to people who have found themselves in need through no fault of their own - be it through job loss, chronic illnesses or a low pension. State social benefits act as a safety net to counteract poverty and social exclusion. federal government explains that the support is regulated within the framework of the Social Security Code XII and includes various benefits. This includes not only subsistence, but also basic security for older people and people with reduced earning capacity, as well as assistance with care and for overcoming particular social difficulties.

A variety of social assistance benefits

The right to social assistance is clearly defined: people who can work less than three hours a day are entitled to this support. The responsible local authorities, i.e. the social welfare offices, take responsibility and help those in need of help through a wide range of services that are specifically tailored to individual life situations. [BMAS]. This is particularly important if you are threatened with homelessness or if an eviction lawsuit has already been filed. Covering the costs of energy supply and water can also be crucial in preventing payment freezes.

But how do you get this help? Applications often do not have to be submitted yourself, as the social welfare offices can also respond to information from third parties. This makes access to support much easier. However, it is important to contact the social welfare office, especially after terminating the apartment, to clarify who will cover the rental costs. Here too, the takeover only takes place in an appropriate amount and, if necessary, can also be granted as a loan.

A network against social exclusion

Overall, the current figures show that social assistance plays an essential role in offering people in difficult life situations a perspective. It helps to enable everyone to participate equally in society. From January 2023, a further step has been taken with citizen's benefit to offer people looking for work more comprehensive support, replacing the previous unemployment benefit II and aimed specifically at employable people who, despite all their efforts, cannot find work. federal government emphasizes that benefits are reviewed and adjusted annually to cover living expenses as well as the costs of accommodation and heating.

This makes it clear: Social security and the range of support in Germany are comprehensive and try to make a contribution to improving the quality of life for all citizens. It remains to be hoped that these offers of help will continue to exist and be further developed in order to meet the challenges of our time.