BuT — Bildung und Teilhabe: Learning Support, School Materials & Sports

The Bildung und Teilhabe Package (BuT)

The Bildung und Teilhabe package supports children and young people from low-income families. Goal: No child should be disadvantaged in education and leisure due to lack of money.

Who is eligible?

Children and young people under 25 (under 18 for Teilhabe) whose families receive one of these benefits:

• Bürgergeld (SGB II)
• Sozialhilfe (SGB XII)
• Wohngeld
• Kinderzuschlag
• Asylbewerberleistungen

The 7 Benefits at a Glance

1. Schulbedarf — €195 per year

For notebooks, pens, school bags and school materials:
- €130 from August 1st (start of school year)
- €65 from February 1st (2nd half of year)
- Automatically paid for Bürgergeld and Sozialhilfe

2. Lernförderung (tutoring)

If school performance is insufficient and the school confirms that tutoring is necessary:
- Tutoring costs are fully covered
- Also for small group or individual tutoring
- Application at Jobcenter/Sozialamt with school confirmation

3. Mittagessen at school, daycare or after-school care

• Costs for communal meals are fully covered
• No personal contribution required (waived since 2023)
• Applies to schools, daycare centers and after-school facilities

4. Teilhabe in sports, culture & leisure — €15/month

For children and young people under 18 years:
- €15 monthly for club memberships (soccer, swimming, music school, etc.)
- Also for holiday camps or equipment
- Paid directly to club/provider or as voucher

5. School transportation

Costs for school commute not covered elsewhere (e.g., monthly pass).

6. Multi-day school trips

• Actual costs of school trips are fully paid
• Also covers daycare excursion costs

7. Day trips

Costs for school and daycare outings (admission fees, transportation costs).

How to apply — where and how?

• Bürgergeld recipients: Apply at Jobcenter
• Sozialhilfe/Asylum: Apply at Sozialamt
• Wohngeld/Kinderzuschlag: Apply at municipal office or city Sozialamt

Forms are available at citizen offices, Jobcenter or for download on your city's website. Many benefits can be applied for retroactively.

Tips

• Ask school social workers — they help with completing applications
• Many cities have dedicated BuT offices for consultation
• Eligibility also applies to children with tolerated stay or asylum application status

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.