Abstract

In order to tackle child poverty and prevent children from its negative consequences “Education and Inclusion Subsidies” have been introduced in Germany in 2011. These additional means-tested benefits are aiming at improving material welfare of children in low-income families as well as social inclusion, e.g. through covering costs for school trips, tutoring for children with learning difficulties, daily meals or cultural activities.
In our  Project we analyse the knowledge and usage of the new subsidies by the entitled families. Our main research questions are as follows: Who takes up the new subsidies? Are there groups that are left behind due to lack of information or opportunity costs? Does the new benefit contribute to enlarge social inclusion for needy children by opening up participation?
For our analysis we use the panel study “Labour Market and Social Security” (PASS), which is an annual household panel survey for research on unemployment, poverty and the welfare state in Germany. The questionnaire includes several items concerning knowledge and usage of “Education and Inclusion Subsidies”. It also contains comprehensive information on the income and living conditions of different types of households.