This semester, there is once again the possibility to have the fees for the semester tickets (train, bus and culture) refunded under certain conditions. You can still use the tickets!

In general, there are two types of semester ticket refunds. On the one hand, there is the refund for students with a severely disabled ID or dual enrolment (type A). On the other hand, there is the refund for so-called hardship cases (type B).

In the following, we will explain what the requirements are for applying for a refund and how it works.

Reimbursement for bus and train (type A)

Students with a severely disabled ID or dual enrolment within Lower Saxony have the option of a refund of the fees for the train and bus ticket. The refund is regulated in the contribution regulations as follows:

• Reimbursement of train and bus tickets for students who are entitled to free public transport under the Severely Disabled Persons Act
• Proportionate reimbursement of tickets for students who are enrolled at another university in Lower Saxony and must also purchase a ticket there

Applications can be submitted from 01 April (summer semester) or 01 October (winter semester). Here you can find the applications for reimbursement in case of severe disability and double enrolment. Alternatively, they are also available in the AStA building (Goßlerstr. 16a). You can submit your application by post, by email to the Social Affairs Office or in the office during the respective office hours.

The application deadline for reimbursement according to the contribution regulations is 30 May 2023 for the summer semester 2023 and 30 November 2022 for the winter semester 2022/23.

What do you have to consider when filling out the application?

Students with a severely disabled ID must submit the following:

1. Application for reimbursement of the semester ticket fee for persons with a severe disability
2. Current certificate of enrolment
3. Copy of the severely disabled person’s ID card with a half-sided orange area imprint and the symbol G, GI, aG, BI or H

Students with dual enrolment must submit the following:

1. Application for bus and train semester ticket reimbursement (for dual enrolment)
2. Current certificate of enrolment from Göttingen University
3. Current certificate of enrolment from the other university within Lower Saxony
4. Copy of the semester ticket from the other university
5. Receipt for tuition fees from the University of Göttingen

If you have any problems or questions regarding the application process, please contact us during the social counselling or by e-mail.

Reimbursement for so-called “hardship cases” (type B)

Students can also have their semester tickets reimbursed for financial reasons. The “Regulations on Benefits to Mitigate Financial Hardship Caused by Semester Tickets” (LeMSHO) regulate reimbursement for financial reasons. Unfortunately, we can only approve a limited number of applications each semester. Therefore, after the end of the application period, all completely submitted applications are ranked according to their difference to the income limit and a commission of students from the student parliament finally decides on the allocation of funds within the framework of the regulations. How the refund is awarded in detail is specified in the LeMSHO.

Applications can be submitted from 01 April (summer semester) or 01 October (winter semester). You can find the application form here and in the AStA building (Goßlerstr. 16a). We also provide you with a template for informal income declarations. You can submit your application by post, by email to the Social Department or in the office during office hours.

The application deadline for reimbursement according to the hardship regulations (LeMSHO) is 30 June 2023 for the summer semester 2023 and 15 January 2023 for the winter semester 2022/23.

When are you eligible to apply?

Income limit

• Your monthly income is less than 483€ and you live with your parents
• Your monthly income is less than 752€ and you do not live with your parents

In special cases, this income limit can also be raised (Special circumstances).

Special circumstances – raising the income limit

• For particularly necessary expenses, you can claim special circumstances of up to 50€ per month, especially if you are pregnant, a single parent or chronically ill
• If you do not have family insurance, your costs for health and nursing care insurance can also be considered necessary expenses
• If you are on a semester abroad and your monthly income is below the foreign BAföG rate of the respective country, the adjusted income limit applies

Child allowance

• A lump sum of 570€ per child (under 18 years of age), minus your own child benefit (not received for your own child)

Rules for married couples and registered civil partnerships

• If you are married or in a registered civil partnership, half of the sum of both your incomes will be taken into account for the application

What do you have to consider when filling out the application?

Only applications that are received in complete by the application deadline can be considered. The applicant is responsible for the completeness and correctness of the application.

The following documents are required:

Always to be submitted:

1. Application for reimbursement of the rail, bus, cultural ticket fee in accordance with the hardship regulation.
2. Current certificate of enrolment
3. Signed, informal declaration of income

In the case of independent health and/or nursing care insurance;

• Current health insurance certificate according to §13a BaföG (from the current semester)

In case of chronic illness or pregnancy:

• Medical certificate

If single parent:

• Written declaration that the applicant is solely responsible for the care and upbringing of the child/children.

If married or in a registered civil partnership:

• Informal signed income declaration of the spouse / civil partner.

If child/children:

• Birth certificate of the child/children
• Written declaration that the child/children represent an additional financial burden.

In the case of a semester abroad:

• Proof of semester abroad

Please note!

• The application must be complete (do not forget your telephone number etc.)
• If possible, please indicate a German bank account
• The account holder should be the person submitting the application
• Under “1.” and “2.” only exact figures are accepted and no monetary amounts (in case of varying income, please enter the average value)
• Under “1.” all monthly income amounts are noted and under “2.” all additional one-time amounts are noted (! Do not enter amounts twice)
• For the income declaration, add up the amounts from “1. If you have entered something under “2.”, then divide this amount by 6 and add it to the total from “1. You then enter the total amount in your informal income declaration
• Do not forget to tick “4.” in the application.

If you have any problems or questions regarding the application, please contact us during the social counselling or by e-mail.