Benefits for the integration of the self-employed
Benefits for the integration of the self-employed (LES) are a state subsidy according to SGB II for self-employed persons for the procurement of material goods. The LES is a discretionary service. In addition to LES, recipients of unemployment benefit II can also receive entry-level benefits in accordance with Section 16b SGB II when starting self-employment .
Legal basis
Benefits for the integration of the self-employed are regulated in § 16c SGB II.
Eligible
LES are only open to recipients of unemployment benefit II. There is no comparable benefit for recipients of unemployment benefit under SGB III .
Eligibility requirements
LES can be granted both for self-employment and for already existing self-employment. The activity must be full-time and economically viable. In order to determine this, the basic security provider ( job center ) can request the opinion of a competent body. The prerequisite is that the need for assistance can be permanently overcome or reduced by self-employed activity within a reasonable period of time. The LES must also be necessary and appropriate.
Funding opportunities
Funding can take the form of a non-repayable grant and / or a loan. Grants are limited to a maximum of € 5000. One-off cash benefits or temporary ongoing benefits (e.g. shop rental) can be granted. Material goods are funded, whereby the term material goods is interpreted broadly, so that services can also fall under it.
