The Education and Participation Package (BUT)
Does your child want to learn to play the guitar or participate in sports? Is a school trip lasting several days coming up? Has your child fallen behind in math or English and needs academic support to meet their learning goals? Parents want to make all of this possible for their children. But many also have to ask themselves how they’re going to pay for it.
That’s exactly what the benefits from the Education and Participation Package are for. Families who don’t have sufficient financial resources are eligible for subsidies. You can find more information in the explanatory video:
Your way to the application
You can easily qualify for the benefits included in the Education and Participation Package (BuT). If you receive the child supplement or housing assistance, you’ll need to fill out a short application; otherwise, submitting supporting documents is often all that’s required.
You can submit your application online and upload supporting documents on the social services platform. Simply select the situation that applies to you there, and you're all set.
Find advice
What documents do I need for the education and participation package?
Depending on your situation, you will need the following documents:
- If you receive the child supplement or housing allowance, you must submit a separate application to receive educational and participation benefits. Please remember to include your current approval notice for housing assistance or the child supplement with your application, as well as proof of the costs for the specific program.
If you have already incurred expenses, you may also submit the corresponding receipts.
- If you receive basic income support for job seekers, subsistence assistance, basic income support for the elderly and those with full disability, or asylum seeker benefits, no separate application for education and participation benefits is required. However, for individual benefits, such as a school field trip, please submit the appropriate supporting documentation.
These costs arise
There are no costs involved.
Simply explained
The grants provided by the Education and Participation Package ensure that all children and young people can take advantage of the wide range of educational opportunities and shared experiences. Every child deserves to participate in social life and develop their talents.
What requirements must be met?
You are eligible for benefits under the Education and Participation Package if you or your child receives one of the following benefits:
- Basic Income Support for Job Seekers
- Living Expense Assistance
- Basic Income Support for the Elderly and Those with Reduced Earning Capacity
- Housing allowance
- Child Supplement
- Benefits for Asylum Seekers
In exceptional cases, you may also be entitled to benefits under the education package pursuant to Book II or Book XII of the Social Code if you or your child—as parents—do not receive any of the aforementioned social benefits, but the child’s specific educational and participation needs cannot be met. In this case, please contact your local Jobcenter.
Benefits under the education package are generally paid for children up to age 25. Benefits for participation in cultural, sports, and recreational activities (such as baby swimming classes, sports clubs, or music school) are paid until age 18.
What do I get?
Grants are provided to support participation in social and cultural life, personal school supplies, student transportation, field trips and excursions, academic support, and communal lunches at daycare centers and schools.
-
Babies + Toddlers
- Parent-Child Classes
- Music and Movement Activities for Babies and Toddlers
- Classes Focused on Developmental Stages
-
Daycare children
- Field trips and multi-day outings (organized by the daycare center or child care provider)
- Lunch at the daycare center
- Recreational activities (such as sports clubs, swimming lessons, music school, theater group)
-
Under 18
- School supplies
- School field trips (organized by the school or after-school care center)
- Multi-day class trips
- Lunch at school or the after-school care center
- Academic support (e.g., tutoring)
- Transportation costs to school under certain conditions
- Recreational activities (such as sports clubs, dance and theater groups, music school)
-
Ages 18 to 25
- School supplies (general and vocational schools)
- Field trips and excursions (organized by the school)
- School lunches; academic support (e.g., tutoring)
- Transportation costs to school under certain conditions
Where can I get help and advice?
Where can I get help and advice?
The staff at your local service center can advise you on any questions you may have about the education and participation package and the application process—in person, by phone, or by email.
So that we can show you the contact point that’s right for you, please enter your ZIP code or city and select which benefit you receive.
Find advice
What else is important?
Frequently asked questions and answers
Did you already know? More benefits for families
You might also be interested in
More Information Links for Further Reading
