Social support

Those in need from Ukraine are entitled to benefits to help secure living expenses, healthcare and integration. As such, they have the same status as recognised asylum seekers. In the future, benefits in accordance with the Social Security Code will be paid by the job centre or social welfare office. A requirement is that the individual seeking refuge from Ukraine has been identified – this involves fingerprints and photos being taken. You must also have applied for a residence permit for temporary refuge and, in doing so, have the so-called Fiktionsbescheinigung – a residence permit for temporary refuge. Everyone who has fled Ukraine is entitled to attend an integration course. There are no time restrictions regarding the start of employment.

IMPORTANT!
These benefits are paid solely to a German bank account – Ukrainian war refugees should therefore open a German bank or savings account as soon as possible.

With the granting of social benefits in accordance with the Social Security Code II, you are entitled to choose your own health company and must register with this independently. Applications for basic social security benefits can be submitted at the town or district job centre. Ukrainian war refugees are not entitled to pension payments or granted pension status. Those who are unable to work full time due to illness or disability can, upon application, receive benefits in accordance with the Social Security Code XII. Applications can be submitted to the social welfare office.

Saxony has a number of independent, non-governmental institutions and counselling centres offering support. There are organisations operating right across Saxony, and there are counselling centres right in your local city. A list of them can be found here:

www.integrationsakteure.sachsen.de

The most important partners for all queries relating to your legal residency and social benefits are the local foreigners' office and housing and social welfare authorities at the district offices/city administrations of the independent municipalities of Chemnitz, Dresden and Leipzig. These are often all combined into one 'immigration office' or 'foreigners' office'. Housing and social welfare authorities are sometimes also structured as part of a 'social welfare office'.

The Free State of Saxony is divided into 10 administrative districts and 3 independent cities. Each administrative district and independent city has an aliens’ registration authority and an accommodation authority. Enquire whether your local area has a welcome centre and, if so, visit this first.

Pension entitlement in Germany is associated with a minimum insurance period with the Rentenversicherung pension insurance scheme of between five and 45 years (years in which you have paid contributions). If you have not made sufficient contributions in Germany, you will not be entitled to receive a pension.

It is also not possible to apply for the Ukrainian pension via German pension insurance schemes. Likewise, a Ukrainian pension cannot be paid by the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German statutory pension scheme).

Are you currently experiencing a crisis or would like to discuss your situation with someone anonymously and confidentially?

The nationwide helpline is available around the clock and in 18 languages for pregnant women facing difficult situations. You can discuss your situation with someone in complete confidentiality – either on the phone or by secure e-mail or chat. Advisors can also anonymously transfer you to a pregnancy advisory centre near you, if required. All advisory sessions are free.

Any type of violence against women and children is against the law in Germany and is not tolerated. All women, regardless of their origin or marital status, have the right to protection and support for themselves and their children! Men who are victims of violence in their families or from their partner can also receive help.

If you have experienced domestic violence, you can contact an advisory office and this will be confidential. In the Coordination and Intervention Offices against Domestic Violence and Stalking (IKS) victims will receive support. There are also special shelters for women, men and children in which victims of domestic abuse and their children can find a secure accommodation for a limited time period. The addresses of these shelters are confidential. Social workers look after the people in the shelters and can help them rebuild their lives.

• If you feel unsafe or if you or your children are at risk of violence, please contact the nationwide free helpline for women on +49 (0)8000 116 016. Here you will receive advice anonymously, confidentially and with aid of an interpreter and be given contacts for local facilities and advisory offices.
• The Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Gewaltfreies Zuhause Sachsen e.V. (Saxon state association for a non-violent home) on www.gewaltfreies-zuhause.de provides a summary of shelters and facilities that can offer protection and advisory offices for domestic violence in Saxony.
• In an emergency contact 110. The police will be able to help you guaranteed!
• There are currently also many offers of help from the general public including offers of accommodation. We are unable to review all offers. Please only accept an offer if you feel safe and something is not expected of you in return.