What does Mehrbedarf mean?
A Mehrbedarf (additional need) is extra money beyond the Regelbedarf for special situations, such as pregnancy or single parents.
der Mehrbedarf · die Mehrbedarfe (plural)
Other examples are an expensive diet because of an illness, or hot water heated with electricity.
You usually only get an additional need if the office knows about it. Ask for it and enclose proof.
The Bescheid says which additional needs were taken into account. If one is missing, you can file a Widerspruch.
Example sentence
Wegen Ihrer Schwangerschaft wird ein Mehrbedarf anerkannt.
Because of your pregnancy, a Mehrbedarf is recognised.
What you can do
Ask an advice centre which additional needs may apply to you.
Related words
- Regelbedarf The Regelbedarf (standard rate) is the fixed amount for daily life, for example for food, clothes and electricity. It is also called Regelsatz.
- Bürgergeld Bürgergeld (citizen's income) was the Jobcenter's money for people who can work but lack enough to live on. It had this name until June 2026.
- Nachweis A Nachweis is a document that proves something, for example your income, your rent or your address.
- Bescheinigung A Bescheinigung is a document in which an organisation officially confirms something.