Help with moving-cost applications
Moving with cost support in Berlin
When a move is necessary, a Jobcentre, social welfare office or the Berlin State Office for Refugee Affairs (LAF) may cover certain costs. We prepare the required paperwork with you at no charge and plan the move around the responsible authority's written decision. Only that authority decides eligibility, scope and payment method.
Important: get written approval before placing a firm order
In Berlin, moving costs must be applied for and approved by the Jobcentre, social welfare office or LAF before they are incurred. If a moving company is necessary, Berlin requires at least three comparable quotes; the lowest is selected when the scope is comparable. This Berlin requirement does not automatically apply in every other city.
Which authority may cover moving costs?
The right route depends on why you are moving, the benefits you receive and the rules at your destination.
Jobcentre · Grundsicherungsgeld
Necessary moving costs may be considered case by case under SGB II. Since 1 July 2026, the benefit is called Grundsicherungsgeld; older documents and searches may still use Bürgergeld.
Social welfare office · SGB XII · LAF
A social welfare office or LAF may also cover necessary moving costs if the conditions are met and approval is obtained in advance. For a move between areas, clarify which office handles each cost.
Moving for work
If a move is needed to start a job, support through the Vermittlungsbudget may be available. It has separate rules; check with your Jobcentre or Employment Agency before incurring costs.
How Paradiso supports your application
- 01
Clarify the reason and responsible office
We establish why the move is needed and which authority handles the application and the new address.
- 02
Prepare the quote and documents
We assess the move, prepare a clearly itemised quote and organise the required paperwork with you free of charge.
- 03
Wait for the written decision
You submit the documents and obtain the required written approval. Berlin may ask for three comparable moving-company quotes.
- 04
Plan after approval
Once the approved scope and costs are clear in writing, we coordinate the date and the services that were approved.
Which documents may be needed?
The responsible office gives you the binding list for your case. These details often help you prepare:
- Proof of benefits and the office responsible for your case
- Reason the move is necessary and any supporting documents
- Details of a housing offer or tenancy agreement, if requested by the authority
- Old and new addresses, preferred date, floors, lift access and inventory size
- An itemised quote; in Berlin, three comparable quotes may be requested
- Written approval before costs that require approval are incurred
Please do not send benefit decisions, health records or other sensitive documents through the general website form. We will agree a suitable way for you to share them.
Frequently asked questions about moving cost support
Does the state pay for every move?
No. Support is decided case by case. The move must be necessary, the responsible authority must assess the conditions and the costs must be approved in writing beforehand.
Do I need approval before hiring a moving company?
Yes. Apply and obtain written approval before placing a firm moving order or incurring costs that require approval. A new tenancy agreement may require separate approval.
Do I need three quotes in Berlin?
Berlin requires at least three comparable quotes when a moving company is considered necessary. The lowest quote is selected if the scope is comparable. Other cities may have different rules.
Does Paradiso prepare the paperwork for free?
Yes. We prepare the documents needed for the moving-cost application with you at no charge and organise our quote so the authority can assess the scope.
Will the whole move be paid after approval?
Not automatically. The written decision states which costs are covered, to what extent and how payment will be handled. No approval or reimbursement amount can be promised in advance.
Can students, interstate moves or care-home moves receive support?
Those circumstances alone do not establish eligibility. The responsible authority assesses the person's situation and the specific reason for moving.
Is support from the Pflegekasse the same as moving-cost support?
No. The Pflegekasse may subsidise certain adaptations to a home. This is a separate benefit and does not cover general moving costs in every case.