In addition to assistance with living expenses (general social assistance) and basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity, other social assistance benefits can also be claimed as assistance in special circumstances.

They benefit those seeking help in situations such as illness, disability or special social difficulties. This assistance is also available to people who are still able to support themselves but are dependent on help from the general public due to a special need situation. The decisive factor is whether they can reasonably be expected to raise the funds from their income and assets.

Assistance in special circumstances includes, for example

• Health assistance
• Integration assistance for disabled people
• Care assistance
• Outpatient, day-care and inpatient assistance to overcome particular social difficulties