If you receive Bürgergeld, the Jobcenter can cover your moving costs in full. What matters is less the justification than the order of steps — sign the new lease first and ask afterwards, and you will usually pay yourself.
The golden rule: application first, lease second
The Jobcenter's assurance must be in place before you sign the new lease. This is by far the most common reason for rejections. If you have already rented the flat, from the authority's perspective you made the decision independently — and with it, usually, took on the costs.
When is a move considered necessary?
- The current flat is too expensive and exceeds the local appropriateness limits
- The flat has become too small — for instance because the family has grown
- A job or training place makes the relocation necessary
- Health reasons, such as a flat without a lift when mobility is limited
- Separation, divorce, or moving out of the parental home
- Termination by the landlord or owner's own-use claim
In Düsseldorf the first point matters most: rents are well above the NRW average, and the appropriateness limits are adjusted regularly. Ask the Jobcenter directly for the current figures for your household size before you start looking.
How many quotes do you need?
As a rule the Jobcenter asks for two to three quotes from moving companies. They must be comparable — same scope, same addresses, same date. A quote covering transport only and one covering a full service including packing cannot sensibly be compared, and applications fail unnecessarily on exactly that.
We issue cost estimates in the form the Jobcenter expects: with itemised positions, floor area, floors and distance stated. That avoids follow-up questions and noticeably speeds up processing.
What is covered — and what is not?
Usually covered are transport costs through a company, or alternatively a rental van and helper allowance for a self-organised move, plus moving boxes, the deposit as a loan, double rent during the transition month and — case by case — the no-parking zone.
Not usually covered are renovation costs beyond cosmetic repairs, new furniture or furnishings, and any costs incurred without prior assurance. Initial furnishing has its own application — ask about it explicitly, it is not assessed automatically.
The process in six steps
- Register the intended move with the Jobcenter and justify its necessity
- Ask for the appropriateness limits for your household size
- Obtain two to three comparable cost estimates
- Submit the application for cost coverage together with the quotes
- Wait for the written assurance — only then sign the lease
- After the move, submit invoices and receipts