Decision from the Sozialamt on Sozialhilfe or Grundsicherung (social assistance)
A Bescheid is a letter in which an office decides something about your case.
Not for decisions on Wohngeld (housing benefit) or on benefits under the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz (AsylbLG): other rules apply there, which we are still checking. For those, the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung at the end of the Bescheid says by when you can respond.
What you can do
With a Widerspruch, you tell the office: I do not agree with this Bescheid.
The Widerspruch must be in writing. Sign it. A simple e-mail is usually not enough. You can also have it written down at the office.
Keep proof that your Widerspruch arrived. For example, a copy with the office's receipt stamp or a fax transmission report.
If you do nothing, the Bescheid usually becomes final when the deadline ends.