Protected Assets Calculator.
Find out how much savings you can keep when applying for citizens' allowance (Bürgergeld).
Cash, savings, securities, etc.
Are you in the first year of receiving benefits?
Protected Assets with Citizens' Allowance: What Can You Keep?
When applying for citizens' allowance, your assets are checked. However, certain amounts are protected (Schonvermögen) and will not be counted against your benefits. The limits differ between the grace period and afterward.
Grace Period (First Year)
- 40,000 euros for the applicant
- 15,000 euros per additional person in the household
During the first 12 months, higher limits apply.
After Grace Period
After the grace period, the protected assets limit is reduced to 15,000 euros per person in the need community.
15,000 Euro per person
What Counts as Assets?
Assets include cash, savings, securities, real estate (except your own adequate home), vehicles (one adequate car per adult is exempt), and life insurance. Retirement savings (Riester) are generally exempt.
Häufige Fragen zum Schonvermögen
Sources & References (2026)
All calculations are based on the official legal provisions for 2026. Despite careful research, no guarantee is given for correctness. This calculator does not replace professional tax advice.