If life in Germany is mostly filled with exciting experiences, applying to unemployment benefits is probably not one of those.
In this case, you are faced with different options. Either you saw it coming and you have already secured your next job, or it came out of the blue and you best option will be to claim unemployment benefits in Germany.
Although I do have job again now, I did go through all the steps in order to gain those. I thought I would lay it out clearly for you how it happened. It can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t speak German. However, I have found that it’s relatively simple if you know the way.
Who qualifies for unemployment benefits in Germany?
Before taking an attempt at claiming your Arbeitslosengeld (Unemployment money), you should probably find out if you have any. Here are the conditions to meet:
- Current registered residence in Germany.
- Worked at least 12 months in the past 30 months in a job (or several jobs) that pays into social welfare (versicherungspflichtig). This excludes mini jobs paid under 520€/month.
- You are registered at the Arbeitsagentur.
- You are available and proactively looking for new employment.
Self-employed people don’t have this kind of protection and can only claim an allowance (more on that later). Employees who have resigned on their own initiative can also claim those benefits but must first wait 3 months after registration.
How much can I claim?
In terms of support length: the rule is pretty simple here. In terms of support amount, you will receive 60% of your net salary, 67% if you have children. In terms of support duration, you contribute twice as long as you can receive. For example as an employee (aged below 55), you need to work 24 months to be able to claim a full-year worth of benefits (ALG 1). You cannot claim more than one year if you are aged under 45.
Also remember that your health insurance will be covered too during that time.
The calculation can be broken down in 4 steps:
- Assessment of the daily gross salary, otherwise know as “Bemessungsentgelts“. This is dividing your yearly gross salary by the 365 calendar days (and not working days).
- Assessment of your daily net salary, otherwise known as “täglicher Leistungssatz“. This taking your gross salary and taking away taxes & contributions.
- A child bonus is applied onto the net salary, if applicable. This is adding another 7 points as mentioned above (67% instead of 60%).
- Your daily net amount will be multiplied by 30 to obtain the monthly sum.
Daily gross salary= Yearly gross salary/365
Daily net salary= Daily gross salary - (taxes & contributions)
Daily net benefits with kids= Daily net salary * 0,67
Daily net benefits without kids= Daily net salary * 0,60
Monthly benefits= Daily net benefits x 30Tips to increase your benefits
It is possible to increase the amount of benefits you receive by making use of the right tax class combination. This is available to single parents & people in a civil partnership/marriage.
Since your benefits are calculated based on your net salary; increasing your net salary with another tax class will mechanically increase the amount of benefits you get too! More info on the guide about tax classes in Germany here.
This is arguably hard to pull-off, especially if your new situation comes suddenly.
The difference between ALG1 & ALG2
If you have made a bit of research or talked to your HR department, you might have seen ALG 1 or ALG 2 already and wondered what it meant. They are different types of unemployment benefits in Germany. Just to be sure:
What is Arbeitslosengeld 1:
Arbeitslosengeld 1 are unemployment benefits you can claim after having worked as an employee in Germany for at least 12 months. It equals to at least 60% of your net salary. You refer to the Arbeitsagentur. This is what we help you to get in this guide.
What is Arbeitslosengeld 2:
Arbeitslosengeld 2 is an allowance (also called Hartz 4) you can claim after your ALG 1 rights have ran out and you still haven’t found a job or alternatively, if you never worked in Germany before. This benefit equals to a much lower amount of money than ALG 2 and comes with further restrictions. You refer to the Job Center. We will not talk about this on this page, please refer to this detailed guide about ALG 2 benefits in Germany instead.
How to apply for unemployment benefits in Germany (ALG 1):
1- Learning the news
This is happening between your employer and you but it’s still an important part of the process. It’s something that defines what’s next or to be more accurate: it defines the timing with which you will register at the Arbeitsagentur. This founding administrative step is really important and when you do it changes depending on your situation.
Situation 1: Your contract ends with a notice period of at least 3 months.
You boss announced the news personally or over email: you’ve been let go and the notice period written in your contract applies (usually 3 months). In this case, since you have now knowledge you will be jobless in the near future, the Arbeitsagentur will ask of you to plan ahead as well and already register yourself. Same if your contract is simply not renewed or you resign. You must register as soon as possible, up to 3 months prior the last day of employment.
Situation 2: Your contract ends with a notice period of less than 3 months.
In some cases, it’s not possible to know that the end of the contract is so near. Maybe the contract has a shorter notice period or maybe you have agreed to a voluntary resignation type of deal. In any case, if your employment ends in less than 3 months, you need to register at the latest 3 days after you have received knowledge of that new situation.
In both cases, make sure to obtain a termination letter that indicates the reasons of the decision, when you became aware of it and when your last day was (Arbeitsbescheinigung). If you are just quitting your job, please note that you won’t be able to receive unemployment benefits in Germany for a period of 3 months after your registration at the Arbeitsagentur.
What happens if you fail to register in time
The Arbeitsagentur is incentivizing a pro-active approach to doing everything in time by threatening an exclusion of those benefits for a few weeks. In short, if you fail to register in time, be prepared to lose money.
Failure to register in time will result in losing money.
2 – Registering (online or not) as looking for a job
It is recommended to use the online platform to register yourself as soon-to-be out of a job. You can do this very easily by following this link. You will need to first create an account on the platform (scroll down to “Noch nicht registriert“, tick the disclaimer boxes and click “Registrieren als Bewerber“). Once you have confirmed your account, you will be able to complete the rest of the process. If you are unsure about what to do, you can always call the hotline and get help in English if you have any questions about unemployment benefits in Germany. Registering online is only about saving time however, it is still required to book an appointment at your local office to finish this step.
3 – Registering in person as being unemployed
Once you have completed the first step, you will need to free up a few hours of your time to also go on site and register yourself as “properly” unemployed. This is to be done at the very latest on the first day without a job. You will go to your local Arbeitsagentur for that. If unsure where it is; use this form. Make sure to bring all the following documents with you:
- Passport
- Meldebescheinigung (Registration certificate)
- Visa (If applicable)
- Your Krankenkasse card
- Termination letter from your employer (and contract)
You will obtain a number to wait in line and a person working there will process your case and give you more instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, especially if the person talks fast.
So far so good. Well done. But it doesn’t end there.
4 – Filling in the application document
This is what you came for and it’s the last step to take in your quest. Once you are registered as having no job, you will have now have to ask for support from the state during these hard times. To do that, you will fill in the “Antrag auf Arbeitslosengeld” (Application for unemployment money in Germany). This is can be done on a good ol’ fashioned paper form that you can obtain at the Arbeitsagentur directly, or it can be done online on this page. Simply use the account you created on step 2.
If you are a bit lost while doing this, you can refer to this guide, which explains in simple German what is expected of you.
This form is mainly asking of you more details about your personal situation (kids too, if applicable), why you are applying, which resources you have at the moment, where your insurance is and more. All those details are needed to measure whether you really qualify for unemployment benefits in Germany.
5- Receive confirmation at home
Once your application is sent, it will processed by the Arbeitsagentur relatively fast; usually within 2 weeks. You will receive an official confirmation by post which puts together your unemployment benefits in Germany. Among other things; how much you will get (per day, that’s the way it’s done), when it starts and finishes, where the money goes, etc.
6- Fulfill your duties and prepare the transition
Now that you don’t need to think about how you will pay your rent, you can start to plan again. Soon after having registered at the Arbeitsagentur, you will receive a convocation to meet your counselor there. It is compulsory to attend in order to communicate what your plan is. Make sure to come prepared with an updated CV and already some applications for jobs in the pipe. If you are planning to become a freelancer, show that you have done your research too (which can start here btw 🙂 ) and that you need time to prepare it. It’s important you establish a good relationship with your counselor.
You can find on this page here all the steps we just covered on the Arbeitsagentur’s website. It’s well laid-out and explains again the different steps to get unemployment benefits in Germany. I strongly advise you to have a look to get familiar with all the terms. Part of the platform is also available in English.
When you complete the process, you will have access to the portal with your own account as well, where you will be able to most of the document filling online, receive electronic copies of the documents issued by the authorities and adjust communication preferences.
Typical edge situations
Unemployment benefits on a blue card or visa
You can benefits but it lies in the hands of the foreigners’ office. When you lose your job, you have to notify the immigration authorities (section 82 subs. 6 of the German Residence Act) and they make a call on whether or not you qualify.
The foreigners’ office can decide to extend your residence permit by 6 months to give you a chance to find a job again, while getting ALG1 too.
What helps in that case:
- That you have been in Germany under a work visa or blue card long enough (about 2 years).
- That your visa is non employer-dependent.
Please bare in mind that i am no immigration specialist. Interesting thread on this matter here.
Unemployment benefits & renewing a visa in Germany
In the case you don’t have permanent residence yet, this might be a question. Trusting this source, it seems that being on ALG1 does satisfy the prerequisites to prove you have enough means to support yourself during your time in Germany. Being on ALG2 does not. However, this means that your new visa’s validity might be limited in time, to the point your benefits run out. Or simply, you might only obtain a Fiktionsbescheinigung for now.
A strong indicator there might be negative consequences is the following sentence on your current residence permit:
Nebenbestimmungen: […] erlischt beim Bezug von Leistungen nach dem SGB II / XII
Unemployment benefits with a mini-job of freelance gig
It is possible to accumulate both ALG1 and paid opportunities, but it is not a very attractive option. Here are the limitations:
- You are not allowed to work more than 15h a week (since you need time to find a real job again)
- You can’t earn more than 165€ per month (eg: if you earned 300€ that month, 135€ will be deducted on your ALG1 amount for that month)
- You must let the Arbeitsagentur know before it starts.
Unemployment benefits as a freelancer
Surprisingly enough, it is possible to get unemployment benefits in Germany as a freelancer. Those are the restrictions: only if:
- You have been employed at least 2 years before starting as a freelancer, or if you were already receiving ALG1 before starting out as a freelancer.
- You agreed with your local Arbeitsagentur to pay voluntary contributions within the first 3 months of your freelancing.
Rules for how much you pay and how much you get aren’t the same as with employees, but you can still get ALG1 and work, provided you work less than 15 hours a week. Detailed info about this on Impulse.de in German.
FAQ – unemployment benefits Germany
Yes. If you have been working long enough in another E.U country, you have the legal right to have your unemployment be transferred to Germany when registering. This involves asking for an authorization before leaving your country and submitting this authorization when you register in Germany. More info on how to transfer unemployment benefits to Germany this way.
In the case you were eligible before leaving Germany, you can still get ALG1 if you do the timing right. You are eligible if you contributed at least 12 months in the past 30 months. Thus, you can still receive benefits if you apply less than 18 months after your departure.
Example: you stay in Bacerlona 15 months after your time in Germany. You come back to Germany, this time frame rule won’t let you have ALG1 (15 months in the UK + 9 months in Germany before that = 24 months)
Yes. You can get a rough idea with this small calculator provided by the Arbeitsagentur here. The calculation is based on your daily gross salary, applies taxes & a child bonus if applicable.
If you are with a public Krankenkasse, there is a month after you quit that is part of normal coverage (=no need to pay yourself), then the Arbeitsamt covers those costs for the rest of the time and also after, while receiving ALG1.
If you are a private Krankenkasse, there is a also a month “free” included after you quit, but then you ought to pay yourself, until you receive ALG1. More info here.
Shortly put, it doesn’t. Your time spent on Kurzarbeit will be considered normal working time, thus benefits will be calculated as if you were working all hours. That is true for duration of benefits as well. There is no drawback going from Kurzarbeit into unemployment. Welfare state powa!
Please note that this post is aiming at providing an overview of the process and that i made it to the best of my ability based on my experience. I believe it to be accurate but cannot be held accountable for any wrong-doings or wrong decisions you might do on this information. Feel free to correct me or give more details about to best get unemployment benefits in Germany in the comments.
Hi Bastien,
very nice article instead. I have a situation where I am still working remotely for a company in Singapore, but i can’t fnd a job in Germany yet. I am here due to my German husband and currently holding a resident permit. Not sure if you have came across similar case, my question is : can i still register as unemployed, so i can get help from the Arbeitagentur in both ausbilding, as well as finding a job here? Thank you very much in advance.
Regards
E
Hello E. You don’t qualify for the requirements mentioned in the above article. Resident permit issues aside, if you are still working for another company, you are unavailable to the local job market, as far as the Arbeitsagentur is concerned. You are not jobless. However, you can get indirect support through tax deductions of costs dedicated to vocational training, as explained here. Hope this helps and good luck with the move!
Hey Bastien,
Thanks a lot for the article!
I need to go to the employment agency physically and I can not speak German, unfortunately! Will they support me in English to apply for unemployment benefits? If not, what should I do?
Hey Umit. Probably not, because they don’t want to bear the responsibility of miscommunication. Is there no friend or relative that can help you? You can also ask for help in a local facebook group?
Hallo. Thanks for this very helpful article.
I am an EU citizen. I am a single parent of a toddler. I have been working in Germany since 2018. In 2022 I was on elternzeit. I am also a widow who receives a widow’s pension in addition to my day job.
I wish to quit my job to spend a couple of months studying German full-time. I project 6 months for this study. Following this I plan to seek employment again.
My questions are:
1. If I quit my job today and I have 3 months notice, does this mean that JobCenter will not pay me for this notice period because I am being paid by the company?
2. So when they start paying the benefits, will I only have 9 months left of the 12 possible months?
3. Is my widow’s pension considered in the calculation? I will not be receiving any employment income. But my expenses consider both incomes as a single parent.
4. Will my taking German classes and not looking for a job during that time be a problem?
5. Is there any kind of support for German classes cost?
I appreciate your response.
Hey Sally. 1. If you quit (as opposed to being fired), you won’t get support the first 3 months of your unemployement. Nobody gets ALG during their notice period with their employer. 2. No. You will then have full benefits. 3. Great question. This source tells me that your widow’s pension is not considered in the calculation and you should still be entitled to benefits. 4. One of the conditions to receive benefits is to actively look for a job during that time. 5. Yes. This is to be discussed with your Berater/in. Good luck with it all!
Hi Bastien,
Thank you very much for this very useful information.
I’ve been working full-time for 3 years in Berlin.
If all goes well, and they agree to pay me unemployment after I’ve completed all the steps above, including the meeting with my counselor. I was wondering, how often, if at all, would I need to attend meetings with my counselor or another official? Do I need to physically show up to the office every month to continue my benefit, or do I sign a declaration every month online to say I’ve been looking for work?
Thanks in advance,
David
Hey David. It’s up to your Berater/in to decide. In my case, it was enough to send a list of jobs I have applied to once in a while via email. I physically met with my counselor only for “bigger” events, and not routine checks.
Hey Bastien!
Thanks so much for writing this article in English so that we can understand some very important and basic things.
I have one question just in case you have some time to answer.
I have been working for 12 months as a part-time delivery driver with an average monthly salary of around 550-600 euros. Yesterday they informed me that I will be fired as I couldn’t work more hours due to another kurtzeit work I started recently at a theater for January and February.
Having a kurtzeit job can i apply to the Agentur fur Arbeit?
Should I go to the Agentur fu Arbeit or to the Job Center with my fire document?
Vielen Dank!
Hey Alexios. How many hours at this Theater? It’s important to know because one of the pre-requisites to get support is to be “available on the job market”.
is there a cap for the unemployment benefits?
in formula 60% or 67% is it capped?
There is a cap at 60-67% of 80k€/year in former east Germany and 85k€/year in former West Germany (Source: https://www.sovd-sh.de/aktuelles/meldung/alg-gibt-es-bei-der-hoehe-eine-deckelung)
Hello Bastien,
I am currently working part-time and I have a 1-year contract, and my visa is attached to a student. If I am accepted by the university after the end of my work contract, can I apply for unemployment benefits until I find a student job?
Hey Mery. Maybe. This depends on 2 things. To get ALG1, you should be “available for the work market” in a good enough capacity: if university takes too much of your time, maybe the Arbeitsagentur will decide you don’t fulfill that condition. Also, the immigration office should be notified and they might have a say in this too. Good luck!
Hi There. Super helpful – thanks. One question though – I’m at step 4 of the “Antrag auf Arbeitslosengeld” and it is asking for “Vorlage für Ihre Arbeitsbescheinigung.” Which is a 4 page PDF all in german, and it’s very confusing – seemingly asking for the same info over and over again in very strange wording (thanks to deepl and google translate). Does this pdf need filled out, our is it enough to upload the termination letter & original contract?
Hey there. This form has to be filled-in by the employer (that’s their duty) to do so if you apply for ALG1. It seems to be a rather new form in the stack (more info here in German – Google translate is your friend)
Hi Bastien,
Thanks in advance if you are able to help.
I have been working in Germany 2 years as a working student in a same company – now my contract is ending and I don’t get a new one. I am studying in another EU country.
Am I entitled to any unemployment benefits?
I probably need to pay something for Krankenkasse although I am unemployed because I am registered here? I can’t get any student benefits anymore, because I am soon finishing my studies.
Thanks a lot.
Hey Rosa. It is possible to transfer benefits from one EU country to another. More info there.
Hii,
I came to berlin for 8 months on a blue card-dependent visa. I tried to find a job but I am unable to crack it. Now I want to do one boot camp. so I am eligible for an educational voucher for the job center. if yes, please provide me with proper guidelines for that.
Note that my husband is in Germany for more than 10 months.
Thanks in advance for this help.
Hey Vishva. I don’t have experience with that unfortunately. Sorry.
Hi Bastien!
First of all, thank you for this very helpful article.
I have a somewhat different question / concern regarding this topic.
I received unemployment benefits for few months, started working last month and informed the AA during our call (that was 3 weeks after I started working).
I payed back the unemployment benefit that I received for the last month and today I received a letter saying that I’m under investigation because I didn’t inform AA before I started working.
I thought that the unregistration from AA was automatic after person gets employed.
Do you maybe have insights about this type of situation and what would be the next steps?
Thank you for your reply in advance
Hey Jen. I don’t have experience to share with you. I can only recommend you to demonstrate that you did this mistake in good faith, because you lacked the knowledge of this works, as a foreigner. You need to show there was no intent to cheat and that the “delay” was only 3 weeks, which was already paid back. Have you already crafted a letter/statement to do this?
Hi Bastien!
Thank you for your reply.
I’m crafting a letter / statement as we speak and will send it back to AA on Monday.
Good luck!
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for helping people. I also need to get an answer on my situation.
I am a Blue Card holder for around 32 months (more than 2 years) and expire date is 2023/07.
I left the job by my decision in the 29th month and registered on arbeitsagentur.de immediatelly.
I want to know how much maximum can I stay in Germany in unemployment status?
Hey Fariz. This source tells me 6 months, according to § 18c AufenthG. But it’s apparently in the case where you’d be fired. I’m not sure it applies to your situation.
Hi Fariz. Can you please give us an update on the outcome of your situation? I am in a somewhat similar situation. I am on a Blue Card and have been on it for 43 months now. I am willing to quit my job, however, I am concerned that the 3 months I will have after the last day of work may not be enough to find a job. I would like to better understand what my options could be.
I would appreciate it if you can also comment on this, Bastien. Many thanks.
Hey,
Thanks for writing the article, it’s really helpful!
I’m soon to be unemployed and I’m thinking about becoming a freelancer. Do I understand correctly, that the moment I register as a freelancer or self-employed I lose the arbeitlosengeld? Or if I work on my company less than 15 hours/week and won’t have a relevant income at the beginning I’m still eligible for the unemployment money?
Hey Kate. This is something to discuss with your Berater-in, when the moment comes. The goal of ALG1 is to support you while you try to find another job, not to support you while you become a freelancer. I’d imagine that your scenario would not go well with them. However, you can get support from the Arbeitsagentur for a limited time in the form of a “Gründerzuschuss” which lets you work without restrictions as a freelancer. More info here. This is to discuss with your Berater-in also. Depending on who you get, they might tell you to try to find a job again first, before giving freelancing a go. Hope this helps.
Hi,
Can I expect the convocation to meet a counselor at Arbeitsagentur to come via post? Or is this messaged via my online account?
Thanks!
Hey Kathy. Last I used the online account, the invitations still came to me via post. However, this may differ from Agentur to Agentur. Some even offer counselling via video-conferencing nowadays!
Hi Bastien,
I received a full year’s worth of unemployment after my previous employment where I worked for 5 years. Following the year of unemployment, I found full time employment but have since quit (they are willing to “fire” me) after three months.
Am I entitled to any benefits?
Hey there. Yes.
Hi! I’m going to be coming to an end of a year of unemployment, but still haven’t found full-time work. Just curious how the transition out if unemployment went? What did you have to do at the end of the year? (I don’t plan to do AG2)
Hey, Thanks for yet another great article! I have been following your advice since I moved in Berlin and you have been a life savior ^^
I have been working in Berlin for 3 years, just got Arbeitslosengeld for 2 months and now starting a new job. My question is, do those 2 moths that I got benefits for affect any future unemployment claims? Any good reason why I should not have taken it, given I knew that I would find a new job within 2-4 months?
TIA & Keep up the good work 🙂
Hey Dimi. Not sure what you mean by “affecting” here. The rest of your benefits will still be available to you, should you be unemployed again in the short term. I don’t see a reason not make use of those benefits.
Hi, thank you for the valuable information. Do you know if receiving severance pay ( lump sum) has an effect on unemployment benefits? After
Working for 6 years for the same company and I still have a valid residency and work permit. Thank you
Hey Nadja. As a rule, receive severance pay does not mean receiving less unemployment benefits. However, there are some details to pay attention when it comes to end of contract/notice time. All of it is very well explained here. Use Google Translate in case you struggle with German. Good luck with it all.
Good morning Bastien,
Thank you for your helpful post. I would have a question as well.
I applied already for the ALG1. I was working for 3 years as a Research Associated. And my residence permit ends as my current contract ends (kind of obviously 😀 ). But Arbeitsagentur asked me to submit a new residence permit (which starts from my unemployment time) to process further my ALG application, but for Ausländeramt I need to submit Arbeitslosengeldbescheid, which shows that I have money to pay rend and so on. So I ended up in the closed circle somehow.
I decided to make a blocked account to prof my paying ability for Ausländeramt first. But due to COVID-19, Ausländeramt gives appointments and processes applications much longer, so I might miss the date when I need to submit the new residence permit. (Please, If you know could you suggest other ways how to break through this circle :D)
Do you know if I can bring Fiktionbescheinigung to Arbeitsagentur for the time while Ausländeramt processes my application for the residence permit? I didn’t find any information on this matter yet, unfortunately.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Daria
Hey Daria. Typical catch 22 situation in bureaucrazy Germany. You show creativity and determination to solve that situation, that’S really great. Submitting your Fiktionsbescheinigung is a good idea and honestly, I don’t have a better idea to suggest. It’s maybe best to speak with someone at your Agentur directly, to see what could work. You could also try to ask for ideas in this group? Good luck with it all!
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the information! I am employed in germany with a researcher (#20) visa for the last 3 years and I want to change it to student visa in 4 months. After graduating (within maximum one year of commencement of my student visa), I will apply for job seeker visa. Iw as wondering if I will be still entitled to get the unemplyment benefits?
Cheers
Hey Amir. It’s possible yes, but it’s in the hands of the Foreigners’ office. See this here.
Hi,
i am an EU-Blue Card holder who got laid off at the end of the Probation period of 6months. What are my Options? I know i am not entitled to Unemployment Benefit but what can i do next, so that i do not lose the EU Card, ?
Hey Kitana. You may apply for ALG2, and still keep your EU card, provided the immigration office has extended the Corona-related exceptions to let EU card holders use ALG2, without impact on it. Check what the current rules, there is an FAQ page about this on their website.
Hello
How can I register online for unemployment bonus
Hey there. What do you mean by “bonus”?
Hi Bastien, a quick question concerning Arbeitsagentur: do you know if the days for which the benefits are given are : monday to friday (called “working days”) or are the week end also covered by the benefits?
IThanks for your reply,
Best regards
E.B
Hey there. You can’t really state that in those terms. Benefits are calculated based on your previous salary. Whatever you got then, you get about 60% of that. Is that answering your question?
Hi can we have a quick call, i have some questions… regarding all this.
would be amazing! its pretty urgent
Hey Salatore. I don’t provide consulting services. Sorry.
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed information!
I’m registered for unemployment benefits but I’ve decided to leave the country.
How do I unregister myself from the benefits? Is there any way I could do this online?
Thank you!
Hey Fran. You can do this online. here is more info.
Hi Bastien
Thanks a lot for sharing good information.
I have a question for a different situation.
I am currently with a freelancer visa (been 2 years) and due to covid restrictions, I became kinda unemployed. Then I found some free courses in Berlin and they say, the Agentur für Arbeit or Jobcenter could pay on behalf of me for the course.
I am wondering if freelancers can get this benefit? and would getting this benefit harm to extend freelancer visa in the future?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Hey HS. If you have never been employed in Germany up to this point, you are not eligible to ALG1, and therefore those courses could not be paid by the Arbeitsagentur. As stated by the Immigration office here, a temporary decree states than getting ALG2 anytime between March 2020 & September 2021 does not impact your chances for renewal, due to Corona times.
Hey Bastian,
Thanks for comprehensive information regarding unemployment benefits.
Normally, I am eligible for ALG 1 since I am working in Germany last 4 years and I have Niederlassung. But currently I have the following situation:
The company I am working is getting closed soon. Today, the boss offered me to pay for the next 4 months (from June to September) salary all in advance and then we will sign on an agreement document that both sides are satisfied to terminate the contract at the end of May. It is the first time I am getting such offer, therefore inexperienced. My questions are: if I agree on this, am I eligible for ALG 1? If yes, when should I apply for that? May I get a benefit starting from June? Or the earliest from October?
Best Regards
Hey Javid. Do you sign a “(Gegenseitige) Aufhebungsvertrag”?
Hello Bastien!
I have been working in Germany as full time worker for more than 5 years but at the moment I am on Kurzarbeit due to Corona. I have been seriously considering, as if I should go back to university to learn something new, ie. Bachelor study in a new field from this coming October. Yet, what I worry is about how to finance myself given that I do not have much saving nor neither I want to take up a student loan.
As I am already over 30 years old so I am not longer eligible to apply BAföG. Do you think that it is still possible for me to apply for ALG 1 in this case? How should I convince the Job Center that I really need financial support ? Is the intention of looking for a part time job besides the full time study convincing enough?
What’s more, is it also possible to study and move to another city in Germany while receiving ALG1?
Many thanks in advance.
Joe
Hey Joe. As a rule, it’s not possible because Arbeitsagenturen/Job Centers consider that student don’t have enough time to be available on the job market, to search for work. They can’t fulfill that requirement of being available for minimum 15h/week. (source). It’s only possible in some very specific, very restricted cases (also covered in the source). Good luck with everything.
Hi Bastien! It is a pity that I cannot request ALG1. And what about the health insurance? Do I have to pay it on my own after I have enrolled in the university? Or I can ask Job center for help?
Anyways, thanks alot for your quick reply.
Joe
Hey Joe. Yes, you’d need to pay for it yourself. ALG2 is of course an option. Full guide about this here.
Hi,
I am sorry if my question is not 100% relevant to the topic. I will get unemployed in the next months because my contract ends and it will not be renewed. I am eligible for ALG 1 and I would like to participate in a 6-month Weiterbildung (further training) as soon as possible after I get unemployed. Since the Weiterbildung will be online, is it possible to follow the courses from my homeland and return after its end to start searching for a job?
Hey Nick. Receiving ALG1 comes with the conditions that you also actively search for a new job. In most cases, the Arbeitsagentur will consider that this not possible from abroad since you are supposed to go to interviews. However, in those corona times, the rule might have changed. You need to check with your Berater/in directly about that. Good luck.
Hi Nick, I have the same question. Did you get an answer from your Berater/in
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the amazing article.
I recently lost my job & applied for ALG1. I’ve worked for more than 3 years and have niederlassungserlaubnis.
I’ve the following questions:
1. I’ll start getting unemployment benefits from next month. I want to register as a freelancer, Can I register as a freelancer & still receive the ALG1 benefits?
2. How long does it take to register as a freelancer? I mean from applying to get registered as a freelancer till getting officially registered as a freelancer. Does it take a week, a month or longer?
3. After becoming a freelancer, can I tell arbeitagentur to stop my benefits once I start making some money?
4. Are you required to visit a government office related to freelance paper work after getting registered as a freelancer? If yes, what do I need to look out for?
Hey Om. 1- In general no, since it would be admitting that you are not looking for a job anymore, which is what ALG1 is supporting. However, you could apply for a Gründerzuchuss, which lets you register as a freelancer and pays your Krankenkasse (but not not more) for first months of your activity. It’s something the Arbeitsagentur also manages. to be discussed with your Berater-in. 2- See full guide about this here. Depends if you are Freiberuflich or Gewerbe. If you don’t need any special permits or licenses, under a month. 3-Refer to 1-. 4- Refer to 2-
Good luck with it all.
Hi Bastien,
Firstly, thank you for helping individuals to navigate through the German system. This website has helped me before and since I have moved in Berlin.
Secondly, I would like to ask you if you are aware of the procedure to follow when quitting the job, as to who to contact and make aware of such decision? health insurance (I am registered with AOK Nordost)? the bundesagentur für arbeit?
I have done some researches, but its still unclear which steps I have to follow.
Many thanks
Hey Niels. You need to let both your Arbeitsagentur & your Krankenkasse know, as soon as you know when your last working day will be. No special order to follow, just inform them at roughly the same time.
Thank you very much Bastien!
Hallo Bastien,
Many thanks for this article. A few months ago I applied for the ALG1 knowing that my contract would expire at the beginning of May 2021. However, I received a three months extension until August 2021. I already notified the job seeker consultant via email. However I don’t know what is the right procedure to postpone the beginning of my ALG1. Do you have any suggestion?
Hey Carlo. Simply contact your counselor and ask what the steps should be. I’m not sure if they can put your file “dormant” for these few months, so you don’t need to apply from scratch in the future.
Hi, i’m first time in Germany and i didn’t know about mandatory health care insurance.
I had a job just for a month, then i was unemployed for 2 months until i got my new job.
Recently i got a letter from my health care insurance (AOK) which i don’t clearly understand ( i don’t speak german). What should i do now, i must pay the bill(AOK) for those 2 months being unemployed ?
Hey Vlad. I don’t know what AOK wants from you in this letter but in general yes, if you were unemployed and didn’t receive benefits, you ought to pay health insurance contributions yourself.
Hi Bastien, thanks for the info, very helpful. I have read through some of the comments but I can’t find confirmation for my particular case.
I am on a 2-year fixed-term contract coming to an end. Is the contract ending enough to receive ALG1? Or do I need a specific letter stating why it will not be renewed?
And similarly, what if it is me who don’t want to renew the contract? Will I get ALG1 from day 1 or will the 3-month loss apply as if I had quit?
Thank you.
Hey Fra. As mentioned in the post (situation 1), you can qualify if your contract simply ends. Looking at all the reasons why a 3-month delay might apply on the Arbeitsagentur website here, it doesn’t seem to apply in your case. Please note that it merely a delay, a not a loss.
Hello all I am not sure if the 67 percent of my previos wage is of the net or gross?
I find different info online
Hey Jose. As mentioned on the Arbeitsagentur website, it’s the net wage (source)
Hello to all,
I have a question regarding resignation.
I am about to ask to get fired from work, and i would like to know, if even though after doing that, I am entitled to get the unemployment benefit from the government. I know that they can impose a ban of 3 months, is that correct? I am working for the same company for almost 3 years, does it means that considering the ban, I would still have 9 months of unemployment benefit?
Thank you in advance!
BR
Eder
Hey Eder. You are entitled to ALG1, regardless of the reasons why you have been fired. However, a 3-months delay might be applied if you were fired because of misconduct or gross negligence, as stated on the Arbeitsagentur”s website here. Please note that you don’t loose 3 months benefits in such a case, payment of benefits are merely delayed.
Thank you for the goods news Bastien, now i feel more comfortable to take this decision, I am prepared financially, however, it’s always good to have another source of income while unemployed.
Hello,
Thank you for this article. I am a bit overwhelmed and a bit worried I’ve been “too proactive.” A job I had for 22 months is ending in June, and I took it upon myself to get a new visa as a freelancer so that I could stay after and collect the ALG1 which I have earned.
I work in the Kulturbranche, so it’s a bit slow now to say the least. I have Absichtserklärungen for some coaching jobs and will still actively seek full-time employment, but yeah — it’s correct to say I can indeed collect the unemployment I have earned? My thought is to pause my ALG1 benefits when I have short freelance gigs and then resume.
Am I nuts for thinking of this?
Thanks for your time.
Hey Rachel, provided your residence permit is in order then, and you have informed the Immigration office as mentioned in the post. I don’t see any particular issues. Be aware that you need to be searching for new employment to qualify for ALG1, unless you apply for a Gründerzuschuss, which can be combined with self-emplyoement in some limited capacity.
Dear Settle in Berlin team!
I hope you’re doing well. 🙂
During my call with the Arbeitsagentur, they said that the pension insurance is not covered during the unemployment period.
Does this mean we have to cover it ourselves and if yes, do you maybe have an info on how this can be done?
Thank you in advance and take care
Hey Jen. That is strange… This leaflet from the Deutschen Rentenversicherung states otherwise in most cases on ALG1. Contribution are lower but they still count. On ALG2 however, no contributions are paid by the job center.
Hey Bastien, thanks so much for the useful post ! Probably it was discussed somewhere but nevertheless, if my termination contract says “The existing employment relationship between the employer and the employee will be terminated by mutual agreement” from let’s say 30.06 and I apply for Arbeitslosengeld three months in advance, let’s say 31.03. Would Agentur für Arbeit still hold my unemployment benefits for 3 months from the day my unemployment starts ?
As I remember I was told some time ago that they can withhold your unemployment benefits for 3 months as a “punishment” for quitting yourself, and if you we let go, then you’d get $$ from day one of unemployment…
That is possible if your mutual agreement is motivated by economic circumstances. in German, the agreement must be a ” Betriebsbedingt Aufhebungsvertrag”. Source.
Hey Marie. Yes.
Hi,
Thanks, this is quite informative. I had a question related to when you resign on your own accord and delay to register as unemployed by 3 months, does this mean you will be blocked for another 3 months but still get unemployment for one whole year?
Could you suggest where I can find more information regarding this
Hey Chaman. Correct: you will be registered but the benefits will only kick in after 3 months.
Hi, are you sure that you can apply for ALG1 even after 1 year since you were unemployed (your example of moving to London and then back to Berlin)?
Here – https://www.pub.arbeitsagentur.de/selbst.php – you can calculate your entitlement…and it asks you for your average salary of the last 12 months.
Well, the way I see it…if I didn’t work at all in the last 12 months (e.g. because I was in a Sabbatical, etc…), my salary was 0, so I won’t get anything.
I have the impression that you must nevertheless apply immediately after you know you’ll be unemployed, you can’t take some time off…did I misunderstand something?
Hey Mark. Here is the source I used to build the London example. Refer to that if it was unclear.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you for your article.
My contract ends on 1 Dec 2021.
I would like to further my studies during 2022.
Does the ALG1 stop as soon as I begin with my studies?
I plan to look for part time jobs whilst studying.
Thank you for your Response
Hey Hlobi. That’s assessed on a case by case basis with your counselor, because as a rule ALG1 is a benefits granted to people who have time to find a job. It may not be compatible with your studies.
Dear Bastien,
Thank you for taking the time to read through. I will be unemployed starting 31.03.2021. The date of my Kundigung is 23.02.2021 * I was fired on grounds of lack of Bedarf for my position. I already signed up as Arbeitssuchend on the portal. I would like to transfer my Alg 1 *i worked for 18 months in Germany with full time contract to another EU country. I know I have to fill in the U2 form but my question regards the timing.
1.How long does it take from the last work day until you start covering Alg 1 especially when you wish to transfer it to another EU country? 4 weeks?
2. Do I need to do an Abmeldung or an Anmeldung is necessary in order to continue the payments towards the Krankenkasse in case the Alg 1 gets approved? I do not wish to live in Berlin anymore and I do not live at the address I am registered with.
Please help. I tried to figure it out on my own but it is way to complicated.
Thanks again
Hello there. 1. Can’t really tell you precisely. It depends on several parameters, especially right now with the pandemic. Several weeks for sure. 2. Not sure what you mean here? You need to be registered in Germany to benefits from ALG1 yes.
Hi Bastian,
This post has helped a lot! But I have a few questions.
I am a PhD student from a non-EU country and have been on a 3-year work contract that ends in just over next three months. I still have work to do to complete my PhD and my employer first asked me to complete it using the ALG1. I think this would like to postpone applying for my ALG1 but have a couple of questions.
1. If I shift to a students visa for a couple of months, will I be able to claim unemployment benefits under a student visa if I had paid into it before?
2. If I extend my contract to a lower-paying salary, will my last salary slip count or is it a cumulative of all the contracts?
Thanks in advance!
Hey DV. This is my opinion on the matter. 1. Being available to find work is a criteria to receive ALG1. Being on a student visa is a signal that you will be focusing on your studies/PHD, and therefore won’t be available to go through interviews and find jobs again. That’s where it might be tricky for you to qualify. 2. It will be calculated on the average salary of the last 12 months (source).
Thanks for answering.
I suppose the Job Seeker Visa and would be a valid option as well.
Hi Bastein,
Thank you for helping out with your post. I am a PhD student on a working contract which ends at the end of April. I applied for my ABG I at the start of this month. I have received the request for some documents – my residence permit, exmatriculation, etc. My residence is on a fiktionsbescheinigung, do you think this might be an issue. Second, I am not enrolled at the university (as this is optional for PhD students at my public research institute) so I cannot provide them with an exmatriculation. I have only received some follow ups about documents but no appointments or confirmation of any sort. Unsure how to move forward from here to ensure I do get my ABG I when I am writing my thesis and looking for jobs.
Hey there. I assume you meant “ALG1” and not “ABG1”. Please read this again. regarding your residence permit.
Hi Bastien, thanks for the very interesting article!
When my ALG I expires and I am not eligible for ALG II, if I haven’t found a job yet do I need to register as Arbeitssuchend or will my status be automatically changed into it by the Arbeitsagentur? Many thanks! K
Hey Kete. I don’t understand the question. If you have ALG1 now, you are already registered as such. Am i missing anything?
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for this great post. It is really helpful.
Roscoe posted a similar question to what I want to know but I would like to elaborate it a bit more please.
I started working in Germany in March 2019. I was made redundant and my garden leave finishes end of March 2021. I have applied for ALG1 and if all goes well I am expecting to receive it from beginning of April.
Meanwhile a company has been in touch for a 6 months fixed term contract. My question is around the ALG1 after the contract ends. Am I allowed/expected to pay Unemployment Insurance while working as a contractor and will I be covered for ALG1 after the contract ends while I look for the next job?
If you are able to provide any information it I will be very grateful. Would you know where I can find more about working on fixed term contracts?
Thanks a lot.
Yuri
Hey there. I replied to a previous comment of yours.
Hi Bastien,
The best explanation I have come across and I really appreciate you taking the time to answer questions. It is really vey kind of you to help people who cannot easily find the information.
A similar question has been asked before but may I elaborate it a bit based on my circumstance?
I am an IT expert. I have recently been made redundant from a permanent job. On the 31st of March 2021 when my garden leave ends it will be 2 years working in Germany continuously in a permanent job. I have applied for AGL1 as per requirements. AGL1 should start on the 1st of April.
A company has contacted me for a 6 months contract with possibility of extension.
Am I right to understand this fixed term contract is known as befristeter Arbeitsvertrag?
The company has informed that they will pay me a fix daily rate and I must pay all my taxes and social security, medical contributions etc.
Can I also pay into Unemployment Insurance and expect AGL1 if the company does not extend my contract beyond 6 months while I look for another job after the contract ends?
If I can pay into Unemployment Insurance and the contract does not extend, it will be almost 2.4 years in continuous employment if I take the 6 months contract.
Can I expect that I can potentially receive a years worth of AGL1 after the contract ends if I am unfortunate enough not to find another job?
I am located in Hessen if it matters.
Is this explained on the arbeitsagentur.de website somewhere?
If a fixed term employment in not considered towards the AGL1 then I may decide not to take it and wait until I find a full time job.
Unfortunately my German is very limited and the arbeitsagentur.de call center people hesitate to speak in English, I am sure for some good reason.
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Hey Shail. Slightly confused there: is this company offering you a contract as a freelancer? sounds like that. If you are signing an employment contract, you will automatically contribute to the same benefits as with an unlimited contract. It will contribute to your ALG1 as well yes.
Hello Bastien,
I have a question? I am non EU citizen working in Germany from Past 7 years. In next 3 months I will loose my job. I know I can Get 1year support from Agentur für Arbeit. What if, I don’t get job with in 1 year, Still I get Any support?
-Thanks in advance for your reply.
Hey Veera. Then you can apply for ALG2.
Hi Bastien, I read that if one has an asset of more than 60k, he won’t be eligible for ALG 2 when his ALG 1 runs out? I wonder what is considered as assets? Savings, stocks and property too (even still under mortgage)?
Thanks!
Hey Ken. This is answered here.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the guide and explanation, it actually helps a lot. I just have one silly question. As long as I understood I should complete the request for unemployment money at the local Arbeitsagentur, Does this mean that I’m obligated to keep my residence in the same city? For instance, I’m currently living in Cologne, where I’m filling the request for unemployment support. However in a few months I would like to move in a more affordable and perhaps smaller city (still in Germany). Is this possible?
Hey Carlo. Yes, it’s possible to move while being on ALG1. Just make sure to let know your current Arbeitsagentur well in advance so the transfer to the new one goes smoothly.
Hi, very usefull article! I have a question regarding the topic. What happens if what you are getting as ALG1 is not enough to cover your current expenses. Is there additonal help you can apply for? As I havr learned here in Germany a lot of things are automatically deducted from your bank account and are hard to stop like for example gym memberships, vehicle credits, cable tv contracts, etc. Thanks!
Hey Gustavo. You can try to apply for Wohngeld: https://www.wohngeld.org/antrag.html
Hi! Thank you for your helpful informations! What happens though if you quit your job ? Can you still apply? And learn German in the meantime ?
Thank you
Hey Petros. Yes, you can still apply, as mentioned in the post.
Hi Bastien, thanks so much for the useful post. I have a question regarding my case. This month is my last month of employment and I applied for ALG I in December. Yesterday, I just received a letter with preliminary approval of my ALG I (including how much money I will get each day from next month on).
I have 3 questions:
1. How do I prove that I am sending out applications and attending interviews? I have done a dozen interviews in the past months but no offer yet.
2. If I receive an offer during the period that I’m receiving ALG I, am I obligated to accept that offer even if the salary is much lower than my current job? Or can I be quite selective in the offer I accept?
3. I am now with a private Krankenkasse but will switch into a public one from next month on. Am I entitled to get a free month of not paying Krankenkasse in the first month (i.e. next month)?
Thanks so much in advance!
Hello Ken. 1. It depends on your Arbeitsagentur and your Berater. In most cases, copies of correspondance (emails) including your applications and appointments is enough. 2. If I am to trust this source, there can be can sanctions if you were to not at least apply to jobs that were provided by the Arbeitsagentur, it depends on some factors and happens only after several months of ALG1. Doesn’t seem to be an issue for jobs/offers you get yourself though. 3. Call your future Krankenkasse to ask.
Dear Bastien
Thanks very much again for your answers that I just saw. I have a few follow up questions if you dont mind.
As I mentioned before, my unemployment will only start on 1 March even though I applied for ALG already from December. So far I have not been contacted by AA or any “Berater” regarding how to prove I am applying. I also have not received any placement proposals from Jobcenter. Is this normal?
Thanks again in advance!
Hey Ken. It can very well be normal with this current climate, as there is a lot of unemployment and many cases to deal with. You may want to get in touch to get a status update.
Thanks a lot again Bastien! I really appreciate your kindness answering all the questions.
Well the thing is that I am reluctant to call AA to ask questions as they do not speak English. I guess in a way it is their responsibility to let me know clearly on what they expect me to do and so far they have not done that so I guess I will just wait until I hear more from them.
Thank you
<3
Thank you for all the information. I want to know can I still receive the ALG1 if I was offered a serverance package from the company to leave? If I decide to go back to my home country for a few months do I still qualify for the money? I heard something that I have to be in Germany and cannot go for a long duration to my home country if I want to claim the ALG? Thank you for your reply
Hey Sharika. You can find more precise information on severance packages & ALG1 here in German. Yes, you need to be in Germany to be eligible for ALG1, as one condition is to be ready & available to find work again here.
Hi,
Thank you for this very helpful post. Could I ask a question as well? I am currently receiving ALG1. I have also been offered a fixed-term job (for six months), which means that I would stop by ALG1 payments at 11 months (instead of the 12 months that I am entitled to). Do you know if I can claim the remaining one month after I finish the six month employment stint? Many thanks, R
Hey Roscoe. Yes.
Hi Bastien, hope you’re doing well.
Quick question… how does income tax work for those who receive unemployment benefit? Do I need to fill the forms myself or Arbeitsagentur does that automatically on my behalf? Perhaps, as unemployed am I exempt from doing that?
Thanks for the invaluable information posted in your blog.
Hey Dave. As mentioned on this dedicated post about tax returns, you will need fill in tax declaration forms, as you received benefits.
I’ve been visiting your website daily and only found your reply today as there were other conversations going on since I wrote to you 🙂
Thanks so much for your prompt response and for the article about taxes.
Hi sorry I posted my question at the wrong place. I have a question, I was informed by my company yesterday that I will be laid off. They have prepared a termination contract but without stating any reasons however there are compensation clauses in there and my last working day will be end of April. So may I ask when is the correct time to go to the Arbeitsagentur for the registration? As I am currently overseas, I will only be back in March so there is a lapse of 1.5mths since the notification by the time I arrive back in Germany. Will this affect the registration date? Can you please kindly enlighten me? Thanks in advance.
Replied on the other comment.
Hello
I am writing because I would like to ask something. I moved to Germany in September 2020 and in November I found a job. However, my contract expires in the end of January this year (2021), in such case, do I still have to inform die Agentur für Arbeit and am I allow to apply for ALG1 or ALG2? And also do I have to inform AOK, the Krankenkasse for my work status, that I will be unemployed and do I start to pay my heath insurance on the first month after I do not work anymore or I am allowed to have this one month, where they pay for me? In such case, should I again inform them? Thank you very much in advacne! Nice website with nice info?
Hey there. From what you tell me, you are not eligible to ALG1. You can try to apply for ALG2. Call AOK directly to ask about the transition period, Krankenkassen usually offers some leniency and flexibility when transitioning from employed to unemployed, provided you have started an application for benefits.
Hi I have a question, I was informed by my company yesterday that I will be laid off. They have prepared a termination contract but without stating any reasons however there are compensation clauses in there and my last working day will be end of April. So may I ask when is the correct time to go to the Arbeitsagentur for the registration? As I am currently overseas, I will only be back in March so there is a lapse of 1.5mths since the notification by the time I arrive back in Germany. Will this affect the registration date?
Hey Tracy. You can do steps 2 and 3 remotely in most cases, because of the current situation. Check what your local Arbeitsagentur states.
Hello Bastien,
Hope you have a great year ın 2021 and thanks for this valuable informations.
I would like to ask something about my transition to ALg 2
I was receiving ALG 1 after I have lost my job in banking field and I have entitled to 6 months ALG 1 allowance and also 3 extra months with current pandemic period I have receieved my payments as ALG 1.
But I think this allowance wşll stop and accordşng to some informations I have found I have toı have transition to ALG 2.
However I have no idea how should I do this.
Does my allowance change to ALG 2 by Agentur fur Arebit system to Jobcenter automatically?
Or should I again apply for ALG 2 from the beginning?
I am totally lost in informations and thank you in advance for your help.
Hey Gokhan. Yes, ALG1 and ALG2 are not connected that way and you will need to apply separately. There is a dedicated guide about ALG2 here. Good luck.
Hi,
So I worked for 4 and half years in Germany my contract ends in March 2021. Also I will be having baby in April 2021 Can I still apply for AGL1 if yes how and which documents are required ?
Hey Pallavi. Requirements, eligibility, criteria are all clairly laid out in the post. Your pregnancy doesn’t impact any of this.
Hi Bastian
Thanks for this Blog post. I been working full time here for 18 months under the EU Blue card. Unfortunately my job has been terminated due to the company financial losses this year based on the pandemic issue. Do you know anything/have heard anything about foreigners being entitled to ALG1 while on the blue card for less than 2 years? I think I have to apply for a job seeker visa however I am waiting to hear from the Arbeit Agentur about my unemployment benefits that if I am entitled to this ALG1.
Could you share any tips? Thanks
Hey Nancy. As mentioned in this section of post. You are eligible, but the ulitmate decision lies in the hands of immigration’s office.
Hello Bastien, thank you so much for writing this helpful article. Since I just recently got laid off at my company due to financial difficulties, I will be applying for unemployment benefits and wanted to ask you about my specific situation. Given that I have only worked in Germany for 3 months and prior to that in another EU country for more than a year, am I eligible for any of the benefits? I want to submit my country’s documents on the arbeitsagentur website but I am afraid they won’t be able to read the contracts since they are in another language. Do you know what do to do in these specific situations? Thank you so much!
Hey Tomi. Have you read this bit here. It’s the most relevant for your situation.
Hi Bastien,
Thank you very much for your help.
I was in kurzarbeit before getting fired and was getting ALG II on top to cover the minimum income, now I got it renewed after getting fired (they increased the amount of money) while I applied for ALG I and I’m still waiting for an approval (I am eligible) . Does ALG I prevail? Meaning that since harz VI can be considered a side-help, my ALG I won’t be affected by harz IV but the other way around, right? I’ll have to talk to Jobcenter to confirm that I have ALG I and eventually pay the excess back. Is it correct? Thank you very much for your answer.
Hey Ismi. Yes, this is correct. When you know how much ALG1 you will get, you need to let the job center know to see how it impacts your eligibility to ALG2.
Hi! I’ve just been made redundant due to the “Corona Crisis”. My intention is to stay in Germany for a few months, then go abroad. How does that work?
Thanks 🙂
Hey Ilena. You can make use of your benefits in Germany and then if you have some left, transfer them with you home, if you move back to a EU country, as outline here (works the samw way).
Hi Bastien.
I would like to ask you, once you are in the Jobcenter system, How can you apply for the BerlinPass and get a discount for the public transportation?
Thank you in advance for your help
Yes Chantal. More info here.
Hi Bastien,
May I ask your help please?
I’ve been living and working in the UK for more than 6 years, but I’m thinking of moving to Germany and looking for a job there. Btw, I’m Hungarian. Have I got any chance to claim unemployment benefit in Germany based on my job history in the UK? I haven’t lost my job here just things happened in my life plus Brexit doesn’t look good, so I’m not too sure that I want to continue my living here. Could you please help me what options I have in Germany until I can find a job there?
Thanks for your help in advance.
Kind regards
Hey Krisztina. I’m no consultant but you can take your benefits from the UK with you, highlighted here.
Hello Bastien,
Thank you for taking the time in helping others. I need your help too.. and sorry if my problem has already been answered. I arrived in Germany on the 01.01.2019 as an EU citizen. I worked 6 months in a company and had been fired for economical reasons. Then, I did an internship of 3 months (02/2020-05/2020) and was supposed to be hired at the end but the corona pandemic happened. So, long story short, during my internship I got financial help (ALG II) to offset my low income. I asked for financial support right after the end of my internship and have been entitled to 6 months of unemployment benefits. I did my really best to find a job. Unfortunately, after the 1st wave of corona and now the 2nd one, it has been too complicated for me to find a job. I asked again for help although I’d have preferred to have a secure job… The Jobcenter rejected my request because according to them I didn’t work enough (yes it is right but I didn’t plan a pandemic) and I am registered in the city exclusively to seek work. Well it is exactly what I am trying to do. I am very surprised because they accepted to help me before. I truly think, a lot of people are in the same situation as me at the moment and don’t know what to do … I am utterly lost. I am running out of money and have the feeling I will end up in the street if I don’t have support.
What can I do I this case? Is there another financial help benefit I could be entitled for?
I really don’t understand that they can give up on people in need especially with this economical crisis due to the pandemic that we are all facing. (FYI, I’ve already replied to their letter and said that I wasn’t agreeing with their decision etc.. They rejected all my arguments again..) Your help would be more than welcome.
All the best,
Luca
Hey Luca. I’m very sorry to hear about your trouble. It’s horrible. You have a right to protest their decisions. Their rationale seems faulty to me as well as ALG2 is not in any way related to how much you have work in Germany (only ALG1 is related to how much you have worked). I’d suggest you get some professional help with one of the centers helping people in your situation. Google something like “Hartz 4 Beratung [your location]” or “ALG2 Beratung [your location]”. You can also apply for “Wohngeld” which helps you pay your rent : https://www.wohngeld.org/antrag.html. Good luck with it all.
Hello Bastien,
Thank you very much for this useful information.
I have a question:
I have been working and living in Germany for the last 7 years.
Now I’m planning to leave Germany and live somewhere else.
Can I still claim the ALG1 somehow ?
I believe it is still my right to do so, or?
Thank you very much in advance!
Kindest regards
Hey Alejandra, yes it is your right. More info about the rules here.
Hi Bastien, how are you?
First of all, thanks for this amazing post and information provided!
I have a question regarding ALG1 and freelance activities. My full-time work contract is not being renewed at the end of this year.
I’m already doing some gigs as a freelancer but really not enough to survive. I’d like to apply for ALG1 but continue to do my freelance activities in order to grow my business/networking/income and eventually stop ALG1.
I understand that is not possible to earn more than 165 a month. I’m planning on making extra 400 euros more or less a month. I heard it’s possible to “pause” ALG1 while doing some freelancing gigs, but how does it work exactly? Can I pause ALG1 for one week every month in order to get that extra income? is there a limit for this?
Another related question, if I find another job soon enough and I can avoid applying for ALG1, can I still apply for it if, let’s say after 3 months, I become unemployed again? Does it have an expiration date for claiming it?
Thanks so much for your time! I hope I’m clear enough.
Stay safe
Hey Sofia. I don’t have exact answers for you. Only pointers. You can do pauses but if you do so often, your counselor will probably start to ask questions and doubt if you even qualify for ALG1, as one is criteria is availability. The best is to clear that with them directly. If you start a new job and it doesn’t work out, you can still apply for ALG1 yes.
Hey Bastien,
I have a 2,5 year contract in Kassel (where I’m registered as a citizen) ending in the beginning of February 2021 with a mutual termination agreement between me and my employer. Around the same time or slightly afterwards I’m planning to move to Berlin. Would it make more sense to register at the local job center in Kassel and then transfer it to Berlin (and if so what would it practically mean?) or try to register directly in Berlin? Unfortunately my German is not that good I have to admit – I work as a dance performer in international groups and language hasn’t been an issue so far, but now it has been super difficult to get any kind of assistance from the public offices – . Thank you in advance!
Hey Iris. I’d say to register in Kassel since you want to let the Arbeitsagentur know asap that you out of a job and looking for one. That is to make sure you get support as quick as possible. If you already know when you are moving, let your counsellor know about it before-hand so they can assign you to a new Arbeitsagentur in Berlin in time. There is no pause in benefits during that process. It doesn’t sound so hard. Source in German here.
Hello I’m a musician from the states on a freelance visa. Due to the lack of club gigs I’m without a viable income. Is it possible for me to apply for alg2? Would this affect my visa renewal next year?
Hey Marquis. Have you read the post about ALG2 here? It might or might not affect visa renewal, depending on how the authorities assess the situation. Right now, it doesn’t impact your chances (special rules due to Corona).
Hi Bastien, I have a question to ask you, as a freelancer since January 2019, am I qualified to obtain any unemployment benefit from states? I know you wrote a bit on here, though I am still puzzled. I am from Canada, moved to Berlin in late 2017, worked roughly a year and few months before I became freelancer. hope you can help me on this, many thanks!
Hey Qiao. Have you read this? What is the confusion?
Hey, Bastien
Thanks for making available so much precious information in English for those wishing to settle in Berlin.
I have been living in Berlin for 4 months only. I hold both the French and Brazilian nationalities. Evidently, I’m registered in Berlin as a French citizen. I have been working as a freelance translator in the last 20 years and this is my only source of income. However, due to corona issues, things have become quite difficult for me. Am I entitled to Hartz-4 with a jobcenter ? I was told that I would be so after 3 months counted as of my Anmeldung date. I’m really quite lost because online information can be sometimes quite unclear or contradictory.
Thank you very much for your help.
Hey Joel. Have you read the detailed guide about ALG2/Hartz4? Your answers are there.
Hi Bastien,
I am EU citizen, currently working in a firm for 2 years in the field where I should not be working and I am not feeling comfortable working on that, lately having anxiety feelings because some personal problems (psychological) and
that’s why I am thinking to leave my job.
I was reading that if I quit my job, I won’t be eligible to get unemployment benefits. Only after 3 months of my registration.
My question is:
If I decide to quit my job, what are the possibilities to get unemployment benefits immediately and get some help to go back to my field or to improve in my German language skills?
Thanks!
Hey Ivan. You’d need to consult with a professional here but in my knowledge, you’d probably need to consult with a doctor. You could get a medical certificate stating this job is bad for your mental health. Then, you’d have to proof for the Arbeitsagentur that you had to quit immedialty for health related reasons. This probably would increase your chances to get ALG1 right away.
Thanks for your answer.
Hello Bastien now things are getting hard because of Corona and I wanna know what would happen if I loose my job and I have a working visa, will I get ALG1 for 3 or 6 months,?
Hey Alejandra. Why would it be limited to 3 months? I don’t get it. Read here limitations about ALG1 and working visa.
Hi Bastien,
If a full time employee on a blue card has used up all his annual vacation days,. can he have unpaid leave? What will be the impact on his visa status and how will it effect health insurance and pension and who will pay that?
Hey Usman. If your employer agrees to unpaid leave, then it’s certainly possible. It’s not related to your visa as you are still under employment contract. Your health insurance is still paid by your employer provided it doesn’t last more than a month. Source.
Hello Bastien,
I am currently receiving unemployment benefits from germany. I am planning to move back to India permanently, my question is if i am moving back say mid november, do i get paid for the month of november ? is there something i should do to get this process approved ?
Regards,
Kumar
Hey Kumar. You need to discuss this with your Berater/in directly.
Hi Bastien,
Hope you’re well! I am currently on ALG1 until next year. On a separate note, a close family member died recently which means I might receive some inheritance money. Does my inheritance reduce my income of ALG1 or are both completely separate? I am aware that, for the amount I receive, I will not have to pay inheritance taxes, but do I still need to report this inheritance with the tax office? In case I receive the money and decide to put it into a savings account in Germany, will the Agentur für Arbeit be notified of this transaction, or do they have access to my banking details? Or should I communicate this myself?
Thank you so much for your help!!! And for sharing all of this info here with us.
Beste Grüße
Hey Renz. The two are not related. Current amount of resources or assets is not part of criteria for ALG1. For ALG2, that’s another story.
Thanks a lot for the help!
Hey Bastien,
It’s really great to have this information accessible, in English. Thank you for the time and effort invested!
I have a few questions after reading the article:
1. Is it possible to travel abroad during the time of receiving the unemployment benefits?
2. Is it possible to postpone the date of signing (meaning, not immediately after being fired) – from what I understand from the above, the answer is yes, but I would love to know if this will influence the duration and amount of receiving the benefits?
3. Is there an option to pause the unemployment for a certain period for traveling and then go back to receiving the benefits?
So basically, I’d love to know what will be the best approach if I would like to travel for a month or two, as I feel like I’ve been given a rare opportunity to do so before I go back to the mouse race
Hello Shikma. 1. As a rule, this hasn’t been possible since the Arbeitsagentur tends to think you need to be physically located in your search area. Otherwise, you might not be considered as “available” to look for work. However, in the current Corona times, this perception might have changed and the rule relaxed. 2. What do you mean by signing? 3. This source tells me you can “pause” up to 6 weeks. Beyond 6 weeks, you’d need to apply from scratch.
Bastien, thank you for your prompt response. To your question, in #2 I mean registering. And the source is very helpful!
Again: do you mean registering as looking for a job, or registering for to get ALG1?
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the information. Just wanted to follow-up on that. When a recipient of ALG 1 travels abroad, is she covered by the health insurance? Provided, the travel addition to the insurance has been paid.
Hey Jay. Being unemployed doesn’t change the level of health insurance coverage in any capacity.
Hi Bastien , i already work in Berlin since 16 months now. After i finish my 24 months of work in the same firm , can i be registered in Arbeitsamt? So when i make 24 months i can change my work ? I am non EU citizen
Hey Enid. The prerequisites are listed in the post, your citizenship is not a criteria.
Hi,
I am in Berlin from Nov 2019 on work permit. I got local contract from 01 October in another company. Now I have a job but cannot work as I am waiting for the blue card. So logically I am on unpaid leave.I have health insurance with my new company. Is there any policy which can help me with my expenses?
Hey Rash. Not sure I understand the question. You want to know who is going to pay for health insurance?
hi, Can you start to study in your unemployment benifit time.will you yet receive unemployment beniifits?
Hey Varun. Unemployment benefits are given to people who are available at least 15h a week to search for a new job, which is difficult to achieve when they are studying at the same time. Most agencies consider that students must dedicate 30h per week for their studies. So you can always try to apply for ALG1, but it’s up to the Arbeitsagentur to decide whether or not you do qualfiy.
Hello Bastien,
I have a 10 months contract,my boss would not extend my contract any more because of corona situation,I am not Eu citizen, can I get an umployment benefit?
Hey Maria. Citizenship is not a relevant criteria. Look them up in the post again and see if you tick those boxes.
Hi Bastien,
As everyone else say, thank you very much for such a detailed and informative post.
I have worked in Berlin, nonstop. for the past 5 years. I recently quit and I have applied for Arbeitslosengeld. However I would love to try going into freelancing or go into consultancy and open my own company.
My 2 question are:
1. Let’s say that the following scenario is real:
I got granted the unemployment money and since I quit they will start paying me 3 month from now, shortly after receiving the money I get a freelancing job but it is for a short period of time, since I need to notify the arbeitsagentur, does it means that after finishing the contract the unemployment benefit will be deny because after that ‘new job’ I haven’t worked for the 12 months?
2. If I go into freenlancing or entreprenarship, can I still receive the unemployment money until I start earning anything again or do I need to apply to a different benefit squem?
Thank you very much for your time and answers!
Really appreciate it!
Hey Maria. 1. This would apply if I understand you correctly. 2. You could make use of the Gründerzuschuss, which the Arbeitsagentur still giving you ALG1 while allowing you to start your own business and generate income. More info about that here.
Hello Bastien,
I’ve been working only for 4 months on a part-time job contract in Germany by now. I worked and paid my unemployment insurance etc. for years in Spain before moving to Berlin. Am I entitled to receive Arbeitslosengeld in case I would got fired now? Thank you very much!
Hey Oskar. Have you read this?