Got a BAföG repayment demand — what to do? Deadlines and how to respond

A repayment notice from the BAföG office is especially unpleasant, because it's usually about money that's already been spent. Here's a calm overview of why this can happen and how to respond.

Why does the BAföG office demand money back?

Income too high during the funding period – your own income (e.g. from a side job) exceeded the allowance.
Parents' income too high – discovered later, e.g. through the parents' later tax notice.
Change in your studies – switching subjects, an interruption, or exceeding the maximum funding duration without a valid reason.
Administrative error – even the BAföG office makes calculation mistakes.

What to check first

Does the stated calculation match your actual income during the period in question?
Was the allowance applied correctly?
Is the stated period correct?
Is there a valid reason for a delay in your studies (illness, a child, volunteer work) that should be taken into account?

The deadline that matters: the objection

You can object to a repayment notice within one month of delivery. This is stated in the appeal instructions at the end of the notice. A short sentence is enough to start meeting the deadline — a detailed reasoning can follow later.

How should you respond?

1. The repayment demand is valid, you can pay – pay, ideally referencing the funding number.

2. The demand is valid, but you can't pay it all at once – actively ask for a payment plan, which the BAföG office generally offers.

3. You think the calculation is wrong – file an objection with a specific explanation of which figure is incorrect.

4. There was a valid reason for a delay – file an objection with proof (a doctor's note, a certificate).

Quick example of how an objection can be structured

reference to the notice (date, funding number)
a clear sentence: "I hereby object to the notice dated ..."
a short reasoning, referencing attached proof
a request for written confirmation of receipt

This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured letter in German, with the right tone for the BAföG office. You don't need to know the exact BAföG rules or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, and the letter stays saved in case a reply comes.

Quick summary

Check first whether the calculation is even correct.
One month to object, from delivery.
For a valid demand: actively ask for a payment plan.
Valid reasons for delays should be submitted with proof.

This article doesn't replace legal advice. For complicated cases, your Studierendenwerk or a BAföG counseling service can help further.