More than 500 pending lawsuits hinder BAföG processing - More than 500 pending lawsuits hinder BAföG processing
Students in Thuringia have faced severe delays in receiving BAföG funding, with some waiting over a year for approval. The backlog has left around 1,000 applicants relying on provisional payments while their cases remain unresolved.
The crisis stems from over 90% of applications being submitted incomplete, forcing repeated requests for missing documents. Over 500 pending lawsuits from affected students have further strained the system, slowing down regular processing.
To tackle the issue, 30 additional full-time staff will be brought in from January 2026. These temporary workers, supplied by an external provider, will focus on reviewing applications and chasing missing paperwork. Their role is part of a short-term solution, with the situation set for reassessment by April 2026. Earlier attempts to ease the burden, such as a proposal for bridging loans, were rejected by the Thuringian state parliament. For now, students continue to receive provisional payments under the limited provisions of the BAföG Act.
The extra staff aim to clear the backlog and reduce waiting times for future applicants. However, the temporary nature of the solution means long-term fixes will still be needed. Until then, delays and provisional payments remain the reality for many students in Thuringia.
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