Poverty prevention

Which social benefits are intended to counteract poverty?

95 per cent of all cash benefits paid as part of the social security system are not means-tested. This means that the entitlement to these benefits and the amount of benefit due is either determined on the basis of welfare legislation or on the basis of an unconditional entitlement as a result of the claimant being at risk (this is known as "universal benefit"). These welfare schemes reduce the risk of poverty for a large proportion of the individuals who use them. However, these schemes are not sufficient for some sections of the population.

Therefore additional means-tested benefits are provided for within the social security system, as part of other welfare systems, and as part of minimum welfare safety nets.

• Compensatory allowance
• Minimum income benefits, advice and support
• Income support
• Pension advance
• General social policy (→ BMSGPK)

Further links

• SERVICE: Online advisor and calculator
• Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (→ BMSGPK)^{German text}