What is BuT?

The Education and Participation Package (BuT) is a federal government benefit for children and young people from low-income families.
It is intended to ensure that all children have the same opportunities for education and social participation, regardless of their parents' financial situation.
More information

Who is eligible for BuT?

Children and young people under the age of 25, if they or their parents receive one of the following benefits:

  • Bürgergeld (SGB II)
  • Sozialhilfe (SGB XII)
  • Kinderzuschlag
  • Wohngeld
  • Asylbewerberleistungen (AsylbLG)
You can be eligible for BuT even if you are employed!

Please note:

  • Children aged 6 and above must attend a general or vocational school.

  • Those who receive BaföG or finance their education with their own income are not eligible for the BuT package.

  • Employed parents: Please check the Kinderzuschlag and Wohngeld calculator:
    KIZ-Lotse
    Wohngeldrechner

Legal basis

Those who receive one of the following social benefits are eligible for BuT:

  • SGB II (Bürgergeld)
  • SGB XII (Sozialhilfe)
  • BKGG (Kinderzuschlag, Wohngeld)
  • AsylbLG (Leistungen nach Asylbewerber­leistungsgesetz)

Which benefits does the BuT package offer? An overview:

Education benefits
(0-25 years)

According to § 28 SGB II, § 34 SGB XII, § 6b BKGG
  • School supplies
    (e.g., school bag, calculator) – currently 130+65 Euros per year (2025)
  • Costs for day trips & school trips
    (Also for children who attend daycare!)
  • Transportation expenses to school
    (e.g. the public transport tickets to get to school)
  • Private tutoring (Learning support)
    If the school confirms that there is a need for tutoring
  • Lunch served at kindergarten or school
    (The cost of the lunch is covered.)

Participation in social and cultural life
(0-18 years)

Section 28(7) SGB II / Section 6b(1)(5) BKGG
  • Payments made to sport clubs
    (e.g. football, music school)
  • Summer camps
  • Courses in artistic, cultural, or athletic fields

Information:

The participation fee can also be used in full (e.g., 45 Euro for a quarter, for example for summer programs for children and young people).

How does the application work?

Applications are usually submitted through the local authority, city, or Jobcenter.
The procedures vary regionally, but we are here to help you with this!

Receive consultancy:

Little-known facts:

Those who are unemployed are not the only ones eligible for BuT. Low-income families can apply for Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag, and if either is approved, they also become eligible for BuT.
KIZ-Lotse  Wohngeldrechner

BuT can also be paid retroactively (e.g., for school trips).
The procedure and responsible authority vary depending on the benefit received and the region.
Many kindergartens and schools do not have sufficient information about BuT benefits.
You can receive more than 1700 Euros per child per year in support.
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