Funeral expenses - apply for benefits

The requirements are that

• the applicant is legally obligated to bear the costs (heir, obligor of maintenance, other obligor).
• the estate is too small.
• the applicant does not have sufficient income and assets of his or her own.

After reviewing the application, a decision is issued on the amount of the claim.

Responsible is:

• Bürgerservice Soziale Leistungen of the city center or district offices that provided social assistance (SGB XII) for the deceased person until death.
• Otherwise, the city or district in whose area the place of death is located.
• Exception: If a resident of Stuttgart dies in Stuttgart who did not receive social assistance until his death, the Bürgerservice Soziale Leistungen is responsible in whose area he was registered until his death.

A personal appointment can be arranged with the office responsible for you.

• Identity document (for example, identity card)
• Death certificate
• Proof of legal obligation to bear the funeral costs (e.g. will, proof of relationship, etc.)
• Proof of the amount and composition of the estate (in particular insurance for the funeral costs, funeral provision contracts, death benefit insurance, etc.)
• Names and addresses of all persons obliged to pay for the funeral
• Evidence of the funeral costs incurred (invoices, fee notices, etc.)
• Proof of income and assets of the applicant and his/her spouse/partner, proof of necessary expenses (in particular basic rent, necessary insurance, health insurance premiums)
• for authorized persons/legal guardians: power of attorney/certificate of guardianship

The application should be made promptly in connection with the burial, usually within two months.

The processing time depends on the individual case and the individual examination.

If you have any questions about the organization of the funeral, you can contact the municipal funeral service or another funeral home.

If you have any questions about funeral fees, you can obtain information from the  Garden, Cemetery and Forestry Office.

The following issues are dealt with centrally for the entire city area by the Citizen Service Social Services:

• for  people in nursing homes
• for  refugees under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act
• for  homeless people

§ Section 74 of the Twelfth Book of the Social Code (SGBXII)