How to Fill Out the Weiterbewilligungsantrag (Jobcenter Renewal Form) — Step by Step

Benefits from the Jobcenter (Bürgergeld, called Grundsicherungsgeld since July 2026) are approved for a fixed period. To keep receiving them, you have to submit a Weiterbewilligungsantrag — the renewal application. It's several pages long, in German and full of official jargon. Here's how to get through it.

When to submit it

The end date of your current approval is in your last decision letter (Bewilligungsbescheid). It's usually 12 months, sometimes shorter. Benefits do not renew automatically. Many Jobcenters send the form in advance, but don't rely on it.

Submit it about 4–6 weeks before the end date.
If you're late, the application usually only takes effect from the 1st of the month you submit it. Missed months may not be paid.
Missing some documents? Submit the application on time anyway and send the rest later.

How to submit it

Online via jobcenter.digital — you can upload documents there too.
By post — ideally registered mail (Einschreiben), so you can prove you sent it.
In person at the Jobcenter — ask for a stamped receipt on a copy.

Documents usually requested

Bank statements for the last months (usually 3) — for all accounts of everyone in your Bedarfsgemeinschaft (the household receiving benefits together), with no gaps.
Proof of income, if any: payslips, decisions on other benefits.
New housing documents if something changed: rental contract, utility bill statement.
Proof of changes in the family: a birth, a move, someone moving in or out.

On bank statements you may black out individual expenses on sensitive topics (e.g. religion, health, politics) — but the type and amount of the payment must stay visible. Incoming payments may not be blacked out.

What the form asks

Personal details and your Bedarfsgemeinschaft number — it's on every letter from the Jobcenter.
Changes in the household — marital status, people moving in or out, a move.
Income — work, mini-job, maintenance payments, other benefits for anyone in the household.
Housing — have rent, heating or utility costs changed?
Assets and savings — answer honestly, including accounts abroad.

The exact questions and annexes (Anlagen) are in your own form — the Jobcenter updates its forms from time to time.

Common mistakes

Leaving fields empty where the answer is no — better to tick „Nein“ explicitly.
Not handing in all pages of the form or all bank statements.
Not reporting a change (new job, a move) — the Jobcenter may later ask for money back.
Forgetting to sign.

How BriefMagic helps

BriefMagic has a Fill out a form feature: take photos of all pages, get every question explained in your language, and answer in your language too. At the end you get a PDF cheat sheet: the German question, the translation and your answer already in German. You just copy the answers into the form and sign it.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Your own form and your Jobcenter's letters are what count. If unsure, a social counselling service can help.