What is the Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket, and does it cover school trips, meals and courses?

Who is eligible: Children up to age 25 who attend school or a Kita, in families that receive basic income support from the Jobcenter (Grundsicherung, formerly Bürgergeld), social assistance, asylum seeker benefits, Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag.

What is covered: One-day school and Kita outings and class trips, money for school supplies twice a year, transport to school, tutoring if needed (Lernförderung), school lunch from year 7, and monthly support for sports, music or art courses up to age 18.

Berlin specifics: In Berlin, lunch at Kita and in school years 1 to 6 is already free for all children. To use the benefits, you show the berlinpass-BuT card at the school, Kita or course provider.

How to get it: If you receive Jobcenter support, these benefits (except tutoring) are treated as already applied for; once you submit proof of school or Kita attendance, the berlinpass-BuT is sent to you. If you receive Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag, you apply with a separate form to the responsible office in your district.

Advice: Berlin's BuT advice centre (BuT-Beratungsstelle) offers phone and online support in several languages: 030 5771 3004 0.