Global Major Cities Guide

Support resources for individuals and families, including housing assistance, counseling, and integration programs.

Sections

Social services in Stuttgart are primarily managed by the city government (Stadt Stuttgart) and other public institutions, such as the Jobcenter, Sozialamt (Social Welfare Office), and Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office). These services aim to provide support for housing, unemployment, child welfare, healthcare, and integration for immigrants.

a. Housing Assistance (Wohnungshilfe)

What it Covers: Assistance for individuals or families struggling to find or afford housing. This includes subsidized housing (Sozialwohnungen), emergency housing for the homeless, and rent subsidies (Wohngeld).
Eligibility: Low-income residents, including immigrants with legal residency, are eligible. You must demonstrate financial need.
Costs: Free to apply, but you may need to pay a portion of your rent depending on your income.
How to Access:
- Apply for Wohngeld (housing allowance) at the Wohngeldstelle (Housing Allowance Office).
- For emergency housing, contact the Sozialamt or local housing offices.
Key Office:
- Wohngeldstelle Stuttgart
  Address: Eberhardstraße 33, 70173 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 216-0
  Website: Stuttgart Wohngeld

b. Child Welfare and Family Support (Jugendhilfe)

What it Covers: Services include childcare subsidies, parenting support, foster care, and protection for children in unsafe environments.
Eligibility: Families with children under 18, including immigrants.
Costs: Many services are free or heavily subsidized.
How to Access:
- Contact the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) for assistance.
- Apply for childcare subsidies (Kindertagespflege) if you need financial help with daycare.
Key Office:
- Jugendamt Stuttgart
  Address: Wilhelmstraße 3, 70182 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 216-55555
  Website: Jugendamt Stuttgart

c. Unemployment Support (Arbeitslosengeld & Jobcenter Services)

What it Covers: Financial support for unemployed individuals (Arbeitslosengeld I or II), job placement services, and vocational training.
Eligibility: Residents who are unemployed or underemployed. EU citizens and non-EU immigrants with work permits may also qualify.
Costs: Free to access, but benefits are income-dependent.
How to Access:
- Register as unemployed at the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency).
- For long-term unemployment, contact the Jobcenter Stuttgart.
Key Offices:
- Agentur für Arbeit Stuttgart
  Address: Nordbahnhofstraße 30-34, 70191 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 800 4555500
  Website: Agentur für Arbeit
- Jobcenter Stuttgart
  Address: Nordbahnhofstraße 35, 70191 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 920-4000
  Website: Jobcenter Stuttgart

d. Healthcare Assistance (Gesundheitshilfe)

What it Covers: Access to public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung), free or subsidized healthcare for low-income individuals, and emergency medical care.
Eligibility: All residents are required to have health insurance. Low-income individuals can apply for subsidies.
Costs: Public health insurance costs are income-based. Emergency care is free for those without insurance.
How to Access:
- Apply for public health insurance through providers like AOK, TK, or Barmer.
- For emergency assistance, contact the Sozialamt.
Key Office:
- Sozialamt Stuttgart
  Address: Eberhardstraße 33, 70173 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 216-0
  Website: Sozialamt Stuttgart

e. Integration Services for Immigrants (Integrationshilfe)

What it Covers: Language courses, cultural orientation, job training, and legal advice for immigrants and refugees.
Eligibility: Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Costs: Many services are free or subsidized.
How to Access:
- Contact the Welcome Center Stuttgart for guidance.
Key Office:
- Welcome Center Stuttgart
  Address: Königstraße 1A, 70173 Stuttgart
  Phone: +49 711 216-88900
  Website: Welcome Center Stuttgart

Gather Required Documents: Most services require proof of identity (passport or residence permit), proof of income, proof of address, and other relevant documents (e.g., employment contracts, rental agreements).
Make an Appointment: Many offices require appointments, which can be booked online or by phone.
Submit Applications: Fill out the necessary forms and submit them in person or online, depending on the service.
Follow Up: Processing times vary, so follow up with the office if you don’t receive a response within the expected timeframe.

Most social services are free or heavily subsidized for eligible individuals.
Some services, like public health insurance, require income-based contributions.
Language courses may have a small fee, but integration courses for immigrants are often free.

5. Cultural and Practical Tips

Language: While many officials speak English, it’s helpful to bring a German-speaking friend or translator if you’re not fluent in German.
Punctuality: Germans value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments.
Documentation: Always bring original documents and copies. Germans are meticulous about paperwork.
Politeness: Address officials formally (e.g., Herr/Frau + last name) and use “Sie” (formal “you”) in conversations.
Patience: Processing times can be slow, especially for housing and unemployment benefits. Be patient and persistent.

6. Locations of Key Offices

Here are some central offices for social services in Stuttgart:

Sozialamt Stuttgart: Eberhardstraße 33, 70173 Stuttgart
Jobcenter Stuttgart: Nordbahnhofstraße 35, 70191 Stuttgart
Jugendamt Stuttgart: Wilhelmstraße 3, 70182 Stuttgart
Welcome Center Stuttgart: Königstraße 1A, 70173 Stuttgart

7. Additional Resources

Stuttgart City Website: www.stuttgart.de
Federal Employment Agency: www.arbeitsagentur.de
Wohngeld Information: Wohngeld Stuttgart

If you need further assistance or have specific questions about any of these services, feel free to ask!

Stuttgart

Social Services

Sections

1. Overview of Social Services in Stuttgart

2. Types of Social Services Available