BAföG 2016: Finally the loan amount rises

Good news for students who have applied for BAföG or plan to do so: The 25^th amendment to BAföG will come into effect at the beginning of winter semester 2016/17.

The loan rates as well as the income allowances increase by seven percent. That means that approximately 110 000 more students and pupils will qualify for BAföG. 

Housing benefit and child benefit
The housing benefit was raised to 250 € (until now: 224 €). For students who do not live with their parents the maximum monthly rate increased by 9,7 percent from 670 € to 735 €. Students who live at home can receive a maximum monthly amount of 537 €.
Student parents get 130 € per child. Up to now, they received 113 € for the first and 85 € for each additional child.

Higher asset allowances
Income of 450 € per month earned from mini jobs is not taken into account (up to now: 400 €). As from 1 August, the asset allowance will be 7 500 € (instead of 5 200 € as before).

BAföG for refugees
Since January 2016, it has been possible for acknowledged and tolerated refugees to apply for BAföG after 15 months of residence in Germany. Up to now, this was only possible after four years of residence.

Important: Students who apply for BAföG for the first time already get the higher loan rates as of August 2016; students who already receive BAföG get the new rate as from October 2016.

Deutsches Studentenwerk has created a chart showing the loan rates in comparison to the former ones.