In the event of a seizure, money is seized from the bank account.
But you can protect your money.
This is what the seizure protection account is for.
Read more about it here.
You can also find more information about the P account in standard language.
To do this, click on this link: The P account as protection against account seizure
This is what this article says:
- What is a seizure?
- What is a seizure protection account?
- How do I get a seizure protection account?
- What is a tax allowance?
- I can't pay back my debts.
What can I do?
Seizure of debts
Do you have debts,
the you not pay back?
Then a court can decide
that your bank account will be seized.
That means:
The creditor allowed money
deduct from your bank account.
A believer is someone
who you owe money to.
For example, a company.
But you can protect your bank account.
That's what this is for
Seizure protection account.
The seizure protection account
The seizure protection account is
a normal bank account.
It is also called: P account.
The P account has a protection function.
This protection function remains
a Allowance on your bank account.
An allowance is money,
that not may be seized.
Who needs a P account?
Do you have debts,
that you have to pay back?
Or has a court decided
that your bank account will be seized?
Then it's good
if you have a P account.
Everyone else needs no P account.
How do I get a P account?
You must have your bank account
have it converted into a P account.
Let your bank know.
Your bank must have your bank account
then convert.
That's what the law says.
Important:
Available for your bank accounta seizure?
Then your bank must inform you.
You will then need your P account
open within a month.
Will you open your P account later?
Then you can in that month
the allowance can also be seized.
How much does a P account cost?
A P account may not cost more,
than a normal bank account.
That's why banks are allowed
no charge additional fees.
Also the conversion from bank account
must be free.
That's what the law says.
The bank's obligation to provide information
Your bank must have you
inform once a month:
- How high is your allowance?
- How much money can be seized?
The allowance
In Germany it is like this:
You can always do so in the event of a seizure
keep a certain amount of money.
This is called: allowance.
With the allowance you can
Continue to pay your costs.
For example, rent and food.
The allowance will be
changed every July.
Until July 2023 it is like this:
The allowance for one person
is 1,340 euros per month.
The allowances from July 2023
are on this website:
www.verbraucherzentrale.de/pkonto
Increase the allowance
The allowance can be increased.
That means you can every month
keep more money.
This works, for example,
- if you are for someone
Pay maintenance.
For example for
a child or a spouse. - if your child or your spouse
lives with you. - if to your bank account
Social benefits enter.
Social benefits are for example
Parental allowance or housing benefit.
Do you want
that your allowance will be increased?
Then you need a certificate.
This is how you get the certificate:
- Submit an application to the body,
where the money comes from.
For example at the social welfare office. - You will receive the certificate.
Make a copy for yourself. - Provide the certificate
then at your bank.
Do you get money from many places?
Then you best leave
to one Debtor advice center.
The debtor advice center
advises people who have debts.
Seizure on the joint account
Do you have a joint account?
For example with your partner?
Then you can use your bank account
not have it converted into a P account.
Because there is only one P account
for individuals.
This is what you can do:
You can at your bank
open a P account just for yourself.
Transfer your money from
Joint account to your P account.
Your partner can too
open your own bank account.And he can get his money
transferred to the bank account.
That's why our tip is one
Seizure of the joint account:
- Everyone quickly opens their own bank account.
A P account is best. - Everyone transfers their money
to your new bank account. - Then cancel
the joint account.
Share your new bank details.
For example at work and in offices.
Then they will Cash receipts
posted to your new bank account.
Cash receipts are for example
Your salary and social benefits.
Then just use it
Your new bank account.
Help with impossibility
You get money every month.For example salary.
Is the money less than the allowance?
Then your bank account cannot be seized.
That means:
You can tell your creditors
for now no pay money.
A court may decide 
that no one is allowed to seize your account.
The court is called: Enforcement Court.
You have to go to the enforcement court
submit an application.
And you have to prove that you
receive less money than the allowance.
To do this, show your account statements
of the last 6 months ago.
Important:The decision from the enforcement court
is only valid for a maximum of 12 months.
You can then use your bank account
be seized again.
You still have it afterwards
less money than the allowance?
Then you have to submit a new application
submit to the enforcement court.
Save money despite seizure
Stays at the end of the month
Money left from the allowance?
Then you can take the money
Keep for 3 months.
You can get the money
save for big expenses.
For example for a washing machine.
Important:
Give the money you savedafter 3 months not out of?
Then you can too
Your saved money will be seized.
Our tip:
Take the money you saved
from bank account.
And spend the money soon.
Advice and questions
Do you have any questions about the P account?
Or do you have debts and
do you need advice?
Then contact one
Consumer advice center.
The advice centers are there
everywhere in Germany.
On this website
The advice centers are:www.verbraucherzentrale.de/beratung
More information about the P account
is also available on this website:
www.verbraucherzentrale.de/pkonto
You can also find more information about the P account in standard language.
To do this, click on this link: The P account as protection against account seizure
Text in plain language:
Stephanie Flower
www.leichte-sprach-owl.de
Test reader:
Employees from Werkhaus Bielefeld
Pictures:
© Life support for people with mental disabilities
Bremen e. V., illustrator Stefan Albers
