Life can take a funny turn sometimes and when it’s not playing fair, we all might need some extra support. This is especially true for us foreigners, who often don’t have a local support system to rely on. My guide on ALG1 unemployment benefits has proven to be immensely popular.
It was therefore only a question of time until I covered another tool in the set of social benefits Germany can offer. Here it goes.
A little word of intro
ALG2 is still often sometimes called Hartz 4 because it finds it foundation in the so called Hartz Konzept, which defined modern day standards of unemployment benefits back in 2002. It’s also now also referred as part of the “Grundsicherung” too. Since 2023, it’s called Bürgergeld as well.
Unlike for ALG1, your main office won’t be the Arbeitsagentur, but the Job Center of your Bezirk.
You can find where that is by googling “Job Center name of your city/Bezirk“.
Who can apply?
The basic following conditions needs to be met to qualify.
- You are fit for work (for at least 3 hours a day) – erwerbsfähig
- You are in need of assistance. This means that you current income or savings cannot secure a basic livelihood and guarantee proper access to food, clothing, housing and medical care. It also means no relative or life partner in your household can financially assist you – hilfebedürftig
- You are over 15 years old and have not yet reached retirement age.
- You have the right to work in Germany.
However as a foreigner, you also need to fulfill at least either one of the following scenario:
- you have been a registered resident in Germany for at least 5 years.
- you were previously eligible and received ALG1, and your benefits ran out.
- you worked a job in Germany for 3 of the last 6 months, but now are jobless and not entitled to ALG1.
Attention: freelancers, ALG1 recipients, & low income employees
Working as a freelancer, mini-jobber or low-income employee, it is also possible to apply for ALG2 benefits if your current income is not enough to meet your basic needs. It would then serve as a complement to reach the minimum threshold. Same if your ALG1 benefits is not enough to support you.
How much can I expect?
There is no simple answer to this at it depends on your situation. To start, let’s take an example for a single person with no kids and no income:
- A lump sum of 502€/month to cover your livelihood (Lebensunterhalt), 451€ each for couples.
- Your health insurance costs are covered.
- Your current rent is paid for.
- You can benefit from a discount on public Transportation passes (ex: BVG Abo for Berlin).
- You can be exempted from the TV/Radio tax.
Other situations may impact and increase the amount too:
- If you have other adults in the same household with no income.
- If you support of your own kid(s) under 15, depending on the age group.
- If you or your partner is pregnant.
- and more and more, all detailed in this wonderful PDF.
If you want a more precise estimate which takes into account all those parameters for your situation, you can use this simple online calculator.
How long does it last?
As a rule if your application is successful, you will have benefits for 12 months (or 6 months for freelancers). At the end of this period, if you still haven’t been able to improve your situation, you can consult with your Berater/in to extend this period beyond that, preferably at least one month before expiration date.
How to apply for ALG2 – Bürgergeld
The typical steps: the what
As usual in Germany, the actual application is not simple. But applying for ALG2 – Bürgergeld is just another level. There is a lot of resistance from the job center and it will often look like they are trying to kill any goodwill you have. Just keep at it. This is how the process looks like:
- Fill in the main application form (Hauptantrag). It contains your basic information and details about your current situation.
- Send this form in right away without any of the other ones (Anlage). This is important because it will mark the beginning of your application process. It will make your eligible from this day on, should you be successful.
- Wait for the Job Center to send you a confirmation that they have received your request. It will come together with a list of documents and forms to provide to support your case.
- Fill in the forms requested in the letter, send in the documents to prove your current situation is dire. Naturally a copy of your Meldebescheinigung, passport, rental contract will be needed as well.
- The Job Center might request even more stuff, multiple times.
- Play some more ping pong with them.
- Get a confirmation or a rejection letter.
Applying online: the how
Due to the massive influx of people risking to fall below the poverty line, the German authorities have setup a so called “simplified application” process, which requires less information that can be done all digitally. It’s a bit faster and more straight forward.
This is how you apply for ALG2:
- Create an account on the platform first. It will enable you to do everything online. Go here and switch to English to “register as a private person”. Fill in your details and a receive a code by post to activate your account. You can bypass that extra verification step if you have a electronic residence permit (Aufenthaltstitels) with the AusweisApp2 feature.
- Once you are authenticated on the platform, look for “ALG2 Antrag” via the search bar.
- Fill in the main form “Hauptantrag” directly in the PDF file or online, and save it/send it. No signature is required.
- Receive a confirmation that your request has been taken into account, together with the list of required additional forms (Anlage) and documents (Nachweise).
- Go back to the platform and find the required additional forms.
- Upload the additional documents. In section 4.1 add the completed forms, in section 4.2 add whatever proof they need. Send and confirm.
Please note: communication sent from the Job Center to you will be in paper form, but you can always reply to them online via the platform.
You can read an FAQ page here dedicated to the special conditions applying to your application and how it’s processed during Corona times.
Typical additional forms that might be requested by the Job Center
- Einkommen EK : this details your current sources of income. Self-employed people should instead use Einkommen Selbstständiger EKS.
- Sozialversicherung SV: this details your health insurance costs.
- Kosten der Unterkunft KDU : this details costs related to your rent. Please be aware that you need to be able to prove that your registered there, with your name on the contract.
- Vermögen VM: this is disclosing any assets you might possess as well. You know, all those yachts parked in St-Tropez…
- Kinder KI: about your children under 15 living in your household.
Typical additional documentation that might be requested
You thought filling pages and pages of forms was enough? Think again, the Job Center might ask you:
- Bank statements from the last several months.
- Details about income of your partner, if relevant.
- Birth certificates of your children, if relevant.
- Social insurance certificates
- Marriage certificate, if relevant.
- Copy of your passports or ID cards.
- If you are freelancer: loss/profit statement, listing of your clients, Tax ID, latest invoices, registration certificate.
- & moaaar. It’s never ending and that’s why you need a lot of perseverance.
A few tips
- Keep a copy of everything you send in. Digital or otherwise.
- Do not send anything in original.
- Keep all communications between you and the job center in written form.
- Stay at it. It gets hard.
- Get sure to hand over all documents yourself and make sure to get a receipt for those.
This is what expected of you when on ALG2
If you successfully applied to ALG2, you made use of your right to receive those benefits. With this right come some duties, as highlighted in this info PDF, page 18. You agree to them when receiving the benefits. Those are:
- You should actively seek to improve your situation: this is basically means you try to find a job and don’t expect this kind of support to last forever. This is done by applying for jobs or trying to setup a business.
- You should be reachable & present: you have to be able to meet with your local Job Center when they request to see you. It also means that leaving the city to take time off should be notified to them.
- You are obligated to cooperate: At a basic level, this means that you have to fill-in all requested forms or submit documents they require. If you have been given undue money, you also have to give it back for example. And lastly, it means you have to keep them in the loop every time your situation changes.
If you fail to respect those duties, you can be punished for that, with a reduction (up to 30%) of your benefits.
ALG2 application guide – FAQ:
The rule is fairly simple: you must first make us of your own money/savings before resorting to support money. Any and all sources of income/assets are taken into account, those include for example:
– Rental income
– Any sort of other public support: ALG1, Kindergeld, grants, BAFöG, Stiftungen, Krankengeld, Elterngeld.
– Interest on stocks or other investments.
– Inheritances, property sale
– Life insurances.
– Jewelry or antiques.
However a complex calculation is made to remove any due taxes or obligations on those sources of income, and an allowance/exemption for some of it too. This calculation takes different thresholds for different income types into account, and it is almost unique to each case. Talk to your Berater/in for more info.
If you are living together at the same address, their income and assets will be taken into account, even though they don’t apply for ALG2 themselves. This means for example, that if your partner earns enough to support the whole household, you will not be eligible to ALG2.
The job center allows up to 21 days away from your city while receiving ALG2 benefits. However, your trip must be approved before hand with your Berater/in. You need to make an appointment and personally go to your Job Center for that. Please be aware that weekends and holidays do count.
If you are travelling for business or to try to get a job, this of course another story, but it still needs to be discussed.
Yes, you can still be eligible for ALG2. What you currently earn will be taken into account to calculate your benefits but other things like health insurance costs or rent can still be paid for.
In case your were rejected, don’t worry. It should not be interpreted as a definitive failure. The best thing in this case is to simply ask more details about why it was not accepted. Then, you can probably approach a help office to help you put together a so called Widerspruch, an objection, in order to reverse the decision.
The same applies if your case was accepted but the benefits you received are below what you were expecting. Try googling “hartz 4 widerspruch hilfe name of your city” or even “hartz 4 widerspruch hilfe name of your city Englisch” to find help in your area. You can also check this website out.
I hope this post helped you to get an overview of the process. Feel free to ask your questions in the comments.
When applying for Bürgergeld, how long does it take to process? I’m on ALG1 and it finishes at the end of December, so want to make sure that when it runs out I don’t miss a payment. Does this mean I should apply at least three months before it finishes?
Hey Daniel. This source recommends to submit an application 4 to 6 weeks before the end of your ALG1 rights. That sounds about right as application time can take several weeks. I’d also 1-2 weeks of additional preparation time: the time it takes to fill-in all the forms and do the different preliminary steps. Good luck with it all!
Thanks Bastien.
Hey Bastian,
Thanks a lot for the helpful blog.
My application for ALG II got rejected on the basis that my residence permit is only for the purpose of searching for a job in Germany. And according to their law, this does not qualify me to receive the benefits.
My questions is, do know any case(s) that received ALG II while having a “Job Seeker” residence permit ?
And, would it be helpful to submit an objection to their decision ?
Thanks in advance.
Hey E. I’m afraid that does make sense with local regulations. I am not aware of anybody on a job seeker visa that received those benefits. Sorry about that.
Even though I studied here for about 4 years?
I mean i used to have a student residence permit, and after graduation I got the “Job Seeker” permit.
That is new information and that is an excellent question. I don’t know how that impacts your application. You could try to call this hotline for official reliable information about this. Let me know how it goes.
Hello,
Thanks for the great information.
I am a non-EU and after working for 6 months in Germany I lost my job.
I went to local employment agency, they made a jobseeker registration for me and directed me to jobcenter for possible benefits because I haven’t worked for more than a year.
At jobcenter they wanted me to declare unemployment first on jobcenter.digital. When I go there it asks me online identification through something called ID App2. I don’t have any digital ID in Germany, so I am stuck here and cannot declare unemployment.
Is there another way to declare myself as unemployed?
Thank you.
Hey Can. This feature is only accessible to people with digital German ID cards (German citizens). You don’t have to use this to register for an account. You can register as a private person there.
Thank you. I already did this, I am already registered in the website. But to declare unemployment there is a different section where it asks digital ID. And it doesn’t offer any other alterative 🙁
I’m as confused as you are… Maybe ask your Berater/in to help? Maybe there is a form you need to send somewhere instead?
The electronic Aufenthaltstitels do work with App2. Although the job centre website working with App2 is another question…
Hey Daryoush. Great insights thanks!
Hey!
Thank you for the article above. Great stuff and great read!
As someone who is facing this first (and hopefuly last) time I have few questions so, if you have the luxury of time, please consider answering.
[Background]
I am registered as freelance/gewerbe (yes, both). Freelancing has low to none of income, while gewerbe depends of the people willing to spend money (selling clothing online) but I can pause it “in a click”, but average is ~1500€/month I am married, EU citizen and have been here 4 years.
[Questions]
1. Is my gewerbe earning too much? Out of it I need to pay rent, utilities, health insurance and food.
2. What exactly is allowance? Is it money I “get to spend” on food and utilities?
3. Can I suggest what I believe best help for me would be? e.g. I would like to upgrade my German and, ideally, complete a course that is close to my college degree that would give me a higher chance of employment in Germany.
Hey Nathan. 1. So it’s not 1500€ profit? In general, if you earn more than the total allowance, it might not be worth applying for ALG2. 2. Yes, food, utilites, clothes, other costs. 3. That’s up for discussion with your Berater/in.
Hey!
Thank you for the reply.
1. No, that is total income. Profit is ~50% so 750€.
2. So they can help me with my rent/health insurance, but say “no allowance”?
3. Makes sense.
2. That’s possible. Good luck with it all!
Hi Bastien,
thanks a lot for your work, your guides helped me already some years ago.
I have a similar question to Sébastien. My partner is working, but she’s not my wife. May I not be eligible?
Also, if I select that I live with my partner, I get a new form section that seems to imply that my partner is also requesting benefits, which is not the case.
Am I missing something?
Hey Mauro. Is your partner together with you in “registered partnership”?
Hi Bastien,
This is a great article you’ve put together, thank you for all the useful information!
I have a question as my situation is destabilised by my living arrangements.
When I applied for ALG-1, I had a job contract about to expire and I was renting an apartment in Berlin, so I had a rental contract and a Meldebestätigung.
Since I have been receiving ALG-1, the rental contract has expired and I have had to move out as the landlord did not grant me an extension of the contract.
Because I could not find a new apartment in time, I am currently subletting a room at a friend’s apartment.
My friend’s Landlord is aware that I am staying in the apartment, but refuses to give me the Anmeldung document, so I do not have the opportunity of registering my new address at the Burgeramt.
Basically my legally registered address in Berlin, reflects my old accommodation where I do not reside anymore.
While my sublet contract has my name on it, but I cannot update my residential address at the Burgeramt.
My friend cannot give me the Anmeldung without permission from the Landlord.
Technically, on paper, I am homeless, but I still live in Berlin.
Finding accommodation is even harder (near impossible) now that I am unemployed.
How do you suggest I get around this hurdle while applying for ALG-2?
Thank you for you time and valued advice.
Hey Luca. Sorry to hear about this. If the landlord has agreed to the sublet and you have a contract, they legally cannot refuse that you register there. I don’t know if you have a written confirmation somewhere to prove that but if you do, your friend can fill-in the papers you update your address with the Bürgeramt. Thats called “Meldepflicht”. Hope that helps.
Thank you so much Bastien!
I will look into this 😉
HI Bastien,
Thank you for the great article – that was incredibly useful.
Do you know weather the online application process is still available and if non German citizens can apply there? If so, could you please share the link again, as I wasn’t able to access it from the article 🙂
Thank you!
Hey Alessandro. Here is the link again: hhttps://web.arbeitsagentur.de/websso-prod/login/ or here: https://web.arbeitsagentur.de/sgb2ka/ka-ui/pc/?pk_vid=d9cae9bf27d6c11a1666599907470b34
Hie Bastian
Thank you for the information . I wanted to ask about relocation whilst receiving unemployment benefits. I am relocating to another state outside of Berlin and the Jobcenter there had already given me the okay that my rent is within limit and I am about to apply for the benefit now. However I’m still in Berlin and I want to ask who will be responsible to furnish the apartment because I have nothing and been staying in the Wohnheim? Have you got any idea if I can apply with the JC here in Berlin or in Frankfurt. I know the process is long and my contract is starting soon .
Any info is appreciated
Hey Miya. I’m unsure to understand your situation well: you have received approval from the JC in Berlin, but you are soon moving to Frankfurt. Your new home in Frankfurt has no furniture. Is this correct? You are responsible for furnishing your own new flat. If I were you, I’d continue the application in Berlin and let your Berater/in know right away about your move. They can tell you about the best way to proceed next. Don’t forget that the job center can take over some costs of the move, under certain conditions (more info here).
Thanks for the website!
Hi, I have alg II, I have a minijob, i am eu citizen, why do they only give me ALGII for 6 months? Also processing time was over 2 months.
2nd question. If I lose my minijob after a month or two, will I lose my ALGII or do i get to keep it for the full 6 months regardless?
Can I complain and ask to get ALGII for 12 months?
Mikaela B.
Hey Mikaela. I can’t really comment on particular cases but it’s not unusual for ALG2 to be given on a limited time basis. You can ask for an extension when this initial term comes to an end. Your mini job situation doesn’t impact your eligibility for ALG2. Good luck with it all!
Hi! Thanks for this helpful website!
I have a question regarding ALG II.
I am a EU citizen. Been 4 years registered in Germany.
I am currently employed as a minijobber for 1 month for 250 Eur per month, 8 hours a week, will I get Hartz 4, and can I quit my job after 1 month and still have Hartz 4 for 6 months?
Thanks,
Mark
Hey Markus. I don’t want to comment on the specifics of your situation because there are different factors involved. You should approach a specialist with the relevant experience for that. But in general do know that you can apply for Hartz 4 even if you have a Minijob. Keep in mind that the amount of support you get will take this income into account, possibly lowering the amount of support received in the end.
Hi Bastien!
Thanks for this wonderful site.
My question is this:
I am a freelance musician and have been registered as living in Germany for one year. I have a passport (and is citizen) from another EU member state. I want to apply for Hartz 4 because I cannot make enough money to pay my rent and insurance. All my income is in cash. I can however write invoices to the customers where I had concerts and sign the invoices myself that i have recieved said sum in cash.
I know I have to prove I have been working as a freelancer the last months. Is this invoice sufficient proof of my income or do you have any info on the documents i need to bring, or does it need to be by bank transfer? Then I might have a problem since the cafes and restaurants I play have so far payed me all cash.
My freelance business is registered in march this year. I have called the jobcenter, auslanderbehörde, agentur fur arbeit, and nobody knows or will tell me what i need to do to prove my status as being self-employed. I also dont know how much i need to make per month to be accepted as self-employed. I guess its more than 450 euro? Do you have any info? Thanks
Hey G. Sorry to hear about your issues. It’s often like that in German administration: when it’s a grey zone or it’s not clear what requirements are, public servants won’t often commit to an answer. Unfortunately, you will just have to try and see what they request from you. Whenever you receive a large sum in cash, it’s a good idea to either make an invoice or produce a receipt (Quittung) to keep trace of the transaction yes. I would say that would a good starting point. It’s hard to predict what a particular job center will ask: each has their own practice almost. Good luck!
Thank you for all the info! I have a question on a concrete thing.
First, I tell fastly my situation. I’m Argentinan, with Italian passport, and now since 01.09.2021 I’m living in Germany.
I would like to know if with an eID Card (that one that costs 37 eur, as
personalausweisportal.de says) I would be able to login in the Arbeitsagentur.de portal, in order to start my process for accessing to the ALG2.
One time I’ve read that with the eID Card (which allows me as far as I know to use the personalausweis app), It won’t be neccesary to be present personally through an appointment at the Job Center Office.
I would like to know if doing all these things online as I mentioned before, all the process will be faster, and I won’t need to go there personally.
Really thank you! Hope this question helps to other people also. Best wishes.
Hey Jaco. As this source states, eIDs are only available to German nationals. So you could not use that option anyway I’m afraid. 🙁
Hi Bastien, you’re article was massively helpful – thank you! As I am a subtenant at my flat for the past three years, will my name being on my ‘subletter agreement’ with my Hauptmieter be sufficient to apply for ALG 1 / ALG 2, or must I be one of the main tenants named on the contract of the flat? I have no direct contact with the landlord and my hauptmieter has said she will support me with any paperwork I need.
However how much the landlord knows is unclear regarding her subletting agreement (she is making extra cash, charging us extra on the monthly rent ).
So if I only have the subletter agreement and the Hauptmieter to ‘prove’ I live here and pay rent – can I still apply?
Thank you! Much appreciated.
Hey Cian. Yes, the contract you have between the Hauptmieter and you is valid proof.
Thank you for confirming!
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for you all your worik in this website. This is to add to your article. Actually, it is possible to apply online through jobcenter.digital. As a freelancer/freiberufler, I applied online in June 2020. At first, there is a two-step verification process for registering online. After successful verification, all these forms – Hauptantrag and Anlage are filled 100% online! After submiting all these forms online they send them back to me by post in a hard copy for my signature. They communicate with me by post, but I always reply online through the jobcenter.digital personal Konto. All required documents Nachweise I send as PDF, write explanations and that’s it! They reply faster than usual, as they see it all in their database. I am quite suprised by their efficiency and fast work. I never met my Berator, I communicate only online and they send all their replies and official Besheid by post.
As I said, first time I applied as a freelancer in June 2020, and afterwards I extended it twice for another 6 month-periods. In total, currently, I have my third 6-month period. It is named as “Sicherung des Lebensunterhalts”. In my case they cover my rent and health insurance, after calculating my income. It’s a great help indeed.
As to the buroucracy, you are totally right, they do require a lot of of supporting proofs. But, thanks to their online platform I print nothing, even when I can’t scan, I simply make a photo by my mobile phone, convert the image into PDF file and send it online. Although, they accept any files and any format, but they gently ask if possible please in PDF.
I quess, my commentary is to thank them, that in pandemic times they tried their best to make it digitalized to the extent possible.
Hey Aigul. I appreciate your feedback. It’s really helpful. I will be sure to check that out and update my post above to reflect your experience.
Hi Bastein. Great article as always. I love reading your simplified writings of german bureaucratic information. This time though I might need some advice. I was on a a visa extension of 18 months after my masters in germany, which recently expired last week. I still do not have my blue card as my appointment is next week. I started my first job post graduation in March and only worked for 3 months before the contract being terminated in probation period. I would like to know if I would be eligible for Hartz 4 by any chance and do I need to have a formal visa extension before applying for it, since I will surely not be getting a blue card now for the lack of contract.
Also, does accepting Hartz 4 create any problems during the PR 2 years after the blue card, if I am to think of the future.
Thanks in advnace
Hey Sunny. As stated on the immigration office’s FAQ page about Corona, making use of social benefits is not impacting your chances to renew or apply for a residency permit (until September 2021). It also states the current situation might grant you another temporary extension. But yes in general, you should a valid residency to be able to receive benefits.
Great information, Thanks a ton Bastien.
Hi, Bastien
Thanks for the Information, I am here in Germany since 2020 with my 4 member of family ( wife and three kids) I am living in Sozialunterkunft as Asylum seekers. I am going to fill this application but now I dont have any rent but in future may I have. So I would like to ask you what should I write in application if I write that i dont have rent, can I apply for rent in future if I find any apartment ?
or once application has done, the Job center will not accept the rent?
Hey Khalil. That’s an excellent question and I would not be sure what to reply. You are right to say that if you don’t mention any costs in rent, the outcome of calculation might be significantly lower for your total sum. You could perhaps look for local help on this site or ask directly there.
Bastien, thank you SO MUCH for your useful post! I still have a question. I am single parent with 10 years old child, on ALG1, and it’s expiring soon. I am looking for job for the last 6 months , but without success:( I am considering to apply for ALG2, but as I have my own property abroad , I don’t think I can do that ? My Mum lives there, of course rent free. I will appreciate your opinion, thank you.
Hey Alisa. I assume your question is whether or not owning property disqualifies you for ALG2. The Job center will look at all your income sources, and as a German resident, you need to declare income regardless of its origin. If you have income coming from this property (but probably not, as you said), you also have to mention if to the job center.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the article, it is actually really helpful for people not reading German.
Just one small question, in my situation, I am leaving in Germany with my wife, I am currently unemployed (and I have never been employed in the country, I am from France). My wife work at a full time job. So am I considered eligible to ALG2 while I am looking for employement, or does the fact that my wife is working make me completely not eligible, because my life partner can cover our costs of living (as you mentioned in the article, I am not in the hilfebedürftig case) ?
I would love a confirmation, but my job center currently refuses to talk to me if I don’t have somebody speaking German helping me, so I am currently il a dead end.
Thanks again for the info,
Sébastien
Salut Sébastien. Yes, this is correct. Your partner is earning enough, so you would likely not be eligible.
Dear Bastien, thanks SO much for all the effort you put in to make such a detailed and helpful guide for all expats dealing with German beaurocracy. I’m from the EU, living a bit over 5 years in Germany. In June my ALG1 unemployment benefits will come to an end after a year. I haven’t been able to land a job and with the current situation it seems unlikely in the coming semester. Also my rent will rise again ridiculously after Mietendeckel rent freeze was ruled unlawful and will have to pay thousands back to the landlord. Anyway, my question is, I literally have no other source of income, i want to apply for ALG2, but i’m worried they won’t accept as my rent is really high (had a very good paying job in the past) and I can’t leave my flat because I have a closed contract which bounds me for several months. I got myself a flatmate though to split some costs but I’m still paying around 1.000€ – just my part.
Also is insurance covered by them too? My last day in ALG2 is 31 of May and since I have to start this draining procedure from June, does that mean that I’ll also not be covered by my insurance starting June 1st or does it mean I will have to pay it myself? Thank you in advance.
Hey Georgio. Sorry to hear about your situation : The Job center can pay for your rent up to a limit. This limit is set depending on multiple factors including your personal situation and the applicable market price where your live. You can get an idea of how much on this page. You can try to google “mietobergrenze hartz 4 [city]” for more local info. As mentioned in the post, your Krankenkasse is also paid for by AlG2. Good luck with it all. You may also want to check if you rent is set too high and reduce it. See here.
Hi Bastien,
I would like to ask you if it’s true the lastest decree on non-EU citizen to apply Hartz 4 extended to June 30,2021? if its correct and I apply now, should I inform job center to stop my benefit before June 30,2021 or my resident permit will under threat?
Thanks a lot
Qiao
Hey there Qiao. Here is the link to the FAQ page of the immigration office where this decree is mentioned.
Thank you for the informative article!
I wanted to ask (since I didn’t find a definite coherent answer on google)
regarding a rent limit for a room in a shared flat:
Does the job center has a precise limit list on the rent a person is paying?
Or more importantly, say the rent exceed the limit: can they deny your request for support altogether?
Or would rather pay until the maximum possible rent limit (and the rest is up for you/the person to complete)?
Thanks from advance!
Hey Shelly. The Job center can pay for your rent up to a limit. This limit is set depending on multiple factors including your personal situation and the applicable market price where your live. You can get an idea of how much on this page. You can try to google “mietobergrenze hartz 4 [city]” for more local info.
Thank you for the link and reply 🙂
Do you know if they have a reason to avoid giving *any* support at all- in case a person exceed the rent limit? (In the reasoning that one should only find a cheap enough livable solution).
Or that in this case, they would rather pay *until* the limit, and not more (so the rest of the rent is up to you).
The flats market is so difficult at the moment, especially with the raising rent everywhere- makes it hard to find a decent home in a reasonable price..
Which makes me wonder if the Jobcenter is up to date with the increased rent, and adjusting the limit therefore..
Hey Shelly. No I don’t think that would happen but you need to discuss this with your Berater/in. You might also consider Wohngeld, which is however not compatible with ALG2.
Yes, I assume discussing the individual case with a Berater/in would make sense.
Thanks again! The time and effort you put in answering all of our questions is really appreciated!
Hi Bastien,
what happens if a person from a non EU country is on a blue card residence permit in software engineering field and gets unemployed after the end of 6 months probation. How does the application for ALG2 affect the residency status? How long could the person be eligible to receive the benefits in such a case (also about 12 months or…)? This guy has also applied for settlement permit at the immigration office which is under process. What steps should be taken in this situation? Thank you for your help in advance!
Hello Proton. How long has this person been working in Germany in the past 12 months?
Six months probation plus one month notice period, total 7 months.
As mentioned on the Immigration’s office website about Corona, a decree has been published stating the following: Residence permit renewals are not impacted by ALG2 until 30th June 2021 (for now).
Hello Bastien,
I have been unemployed since December and recently found a job and moved to Munich and want to apply to ALG II 1 month before my work starts although I have just enough money to support myself for this month and till I get paid at the end of the next month. will this lead to a direct rejection?
The money I am using is borrowed from a friend in Germany
Hey Maarouf. No, this would not be cause of rejection if you have found a job which starts soon. You are currently in need for support, and that is what will count for the Jobcenter. However: applying for ALG2 is a lot of effort & stress. You might want to consider if it’s worth the hassle, or if paying back your friend is simpler. This is just an opinion though, not an advice.
Hello, Bastien! Thanks for the extensive article. I am a recently graduated Medical doctor from an EU country and moved to Germany. I would soon be eligible for ALG-2 but I was wondering if any part of the process of obtaining my Approbation for Medical practice in Germany could be subsidized. Thanks in advance!
Hey Stephanie. You’d need to discuss this with your Berater-in, it might be eligible for financial support with a Bildungsgutschein. Germany want doctors so I’d be surprised if there were not a way for this happen. If it can not happen through the Job Center, it’s maybe possible through other means.
Hi!
I recently applied to ALG2 after failing to obtain employment for around 6 months (the job market is pretty rough right now). I’d like to know if it would be possible to apply for a bildungsgutschein or how do I go about that if I get approved?
I know I always have the option of just asking once it is approved, I just dont want to make a mistake.. thank you 🙂
Hey Josue. Sorry I am not knowledgeable in that matter. You could simply ask your Berater about this.
Hi! Thank you for this info! I have a question for the bank statements: How many months back do we need to show? You say several..but how many? 😉
Thanks!
Melania
Hey Melania. This will be specified by your Job Center, when they request additional documentation.
Hi Bastien,
I am wondering how long one can be on ALG2 in my case. I had a job for a year, after that time my contract did not get prolonged. Got ALG1 for 6 months and on top extra 3 months due to COVID. Now applying for ALG2 and wondering if there is a time frame since I have only been in Germany under 2 years. I have an EU passport. Thanks in advance!
Hey Remo. This still applies to you.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the information!
Do you know if getting the arbeitslosengeld II Hartz IV gonna have any disadvantage when we are apply for German passport?
Hey S. Do you mean German citizenship?
Bastien, thanks for all your efforts here. I am self employed until recently was able to keep the show on the road with jobs, but that has stopped. I took a couple months off sick for depression and will as of next week be able to go back to work. But there is no work right now.
So as a self employed artist in the KSK, could I apply for unemployment benefits and If I can which one ? alg2 or 1 ? Ive been living here for 5 years and have always paid tax into the system and also via the ksk my state pension etc. looking forward to your response of if you need more info drop me a reply here!
also will I be able to remain in the KSK and will the unemployment benefit still pay my health insurance etc ?
Many thanks Champ!
David
Hey David. Health insurance contributions or KSK membership don’t play a role into eligibility for unemployment benefits. If you have always been self-employed, then you are not eligible to ALG1. You would need to turn to ALG2. Get in touch with KSK directly to check if it impacts anything on your membership; I don’t see incompatibility.
Hello!(:
I am a citizen and national of Germany. I finished my Master Degree studies in October, 2020, which until that time I was recognized as a student.
After finishing the studies, I applied indeed to ALG2, as I am yet not working and looking for a job, while receiving the application form to send back to them.
It is my first time which I am not working, so all this process is completely new for me.
My question is with regards to my requirements in this process. If I fill out and sign the form for the ALG2 support, what does it require from my side? I need to report to them every month? I need to take and accept every job they offering me? As I am searching jobs by my own.
I am confused, and would like to understand what are my responsibilities in this situation to them, when I accepting to receive the ALG2 support.
Appreciate the support and help to receive more information.
Thank you very much!
Hey Yoana. All those questions are covered in details in this official document, particularly at page 15.
hello Bastian and thanks for your blog and all the help 🙂
I am writing concerning the ALG II Weiterbewilligungsantrag process — I am on the ALG II as a freelancer and I just got a letter concerning the Weiterbewilligungsantrag
I wonder if you happen to have a link with an English translation of the forms EKS and WBA that are required for the Weiterbewilligungsantrag – or if you may know of any guide in English about how to fill in the forms (especially the EKS form)
thank you again 🙂
Chris
Hey Chris. All I could find was this and this .
Hi, thanks for this informative article. Could you please expand on what is meant by ‘foreigner’ ? I have been registered in Germany for 2 months (moved as EU citizen prior to Brexit) but haven’t yet been able to find work, and hoped to maybe receive assistance while I search. Thanks!
Hey Jack. Well: not a German citizen. Based on the little info you give here, it seems like you would not be eligible for now. Check with your social services at home, you might be able to transfer some unemployment benefits from the UK to Germany.
Hey Bastien,
Great information to read before doing this. My question is regarding ALG 2.
At the moment I’m with ALG 1 until the end of January. I’m thinking to start the process of ALG 2, I’m not sure if I will get it because I was able to save some money aside during the last year (which I prefer not to use and keep it for an emergency situations). I understand they ask bank statements, I will show them my saving as well. Do you think it’s a reason for a deny? Thanks for your help!
Hey Adi. You find the answer to this question on the dedicated FAQ page. Item number 5: You do not need to use your savings in the first 6 months, if you are applying during the special corona time. Check it out for more info.
Hello I am a freelancer who does not have health insurance. Can I still apply for ALG-2? Or will this cause issues?
Hey Cora. Good question. My best guess is that it won’t block your application outright, but it will definitely slow it down since the Job Center needs details to a Krankenkasse in order to process your file. And I’m sure you know already but just to make sure: it’s illegal to not have health insurance. Here is a dedicated post about it, it might help you decide on a fitting option. Good luck with it all.
Hello Jean,
Thanks for all this info here. But I have a question about the ALG2.
I managed to apply in March 2020 and I am on benefits since then. I managed to extended in August for more 6 months. I am self-employed and worked with music and events and and because of Covid crisis, I did not manage to find a different job for me yet.
Can I to speak to my berater to extend the ALG2 benefits for another 6 months, or this only would apply for ALG1? I am actually training in another career , but need some time to get up on my feet again.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards, Anne
Hey Anne. Yes, that would be the way to go.
Ok! Thank you for your answer! Have a nice day!
Hi there, I wanted to ask, how did you extend your ALG 2 for 6 more months? Do you have to provide bank statements for the months you were receiving ALG 2? How do you extend the benefits?
Hey Bastien! Thanks for the post! Could you please help me in my situation? I am loosing hope 🙁
I am unemployed since 01.08.20. EU citizen eligible for ALG2 (not ALG1). I applied for the ALG2 on the arbeitsagentur.de on 31.07.20.
On 3.08.20 I got a confirmation letter with some forms to fill out, so I filled them and sent back. Then they (Jobcenter) requested more documents (ID, insurance card, contract, termination letter, bank statements) so I sent it to them. They requested the same documents two more times as apparently they didn’t get them. So I sent them again, in the end by a letter with a confirmation of receive. They finally got it.
Now it’s 9.11.20 and they (Jobcenter) said I still need to provide the “Nachweis über die unfreiwillige Arbeitslosigkeit” from the Agentur fur Arbeit, by 20.11.20.
In the meantime Agentur fur Arbeit sent me a letter that in order to complete my registration as unemployed (arbeitslos zu melden) they need some more information from me and since it’s a Covid time, there is no personal meetings so I need to call them at this number (030 5555 77 33 66) immediately.
I called this number myself and spoke to a lady in English and she said she will send me the “Nachweis über die unfreiwillige Arbeitslosigkeit” by post the next day. It’s been a week and I didn’t get it. And she didn’t request any more information from me.
Now when I called there was nobody speaking English. So I called with my German speaking friend and he was dismissed. They told him that I need to call this number (0 800 4 5555 00) and ask for English speaking person as they need to speak to me directly. We called multiple times and were dismissed to call different numbers. Finally some guy (from Agentur fur Arbeit) put my details in the system and he said that yes they have my name in the system but there is completely no information about my registration/application or anything so they don’t know what I should do :O
Hey Filip. What a story! Unfortunately, there is no easy solution. It’s typical of Germany, where data privacy rules prevent public institutions exchanging data to one another. I can only recommend to call again to try to clarify this non-sense. Thankfully, since you have started on your application process (ALG2), you will get support from the application date, and not from when you supply that additional document. I wish you all the best and much strength.
Hey, thanks for a great article.
I’ve got an issue with ALG2 (no joke). I’ve had A1 for 6 months, and A2 as well, because my A1 was below the subsistance minimum. Now that my ALG1 rights are arriving to an end, and it’s just hard to find a job right now, I wanted to apply for ALG2.
The jobcenter answered that I had no right to ALG2 because I am allowed to stay in Germany as a person that comes to work, meaning, I don’t have residency. Which is true, but then, I’m from the EU (France), and I know plenty of people that are EU citizens that just moved to Berlin and ended up on ALG2 at some point. So what can I do now ?
Thanks a bunch
Hey Jean. This is correct, you need to be a German resident to be eligible. Otherwise, you need to apply for benefits in your current country of residence, I assume France.
Ok, it makes sense, thank you.
Although, my current country of residence is Germany; where I have my main address, pay taxes and have worked the last year and a half. If I do try to go for Hartz-IV, and I don’t think I will, would I theoretically need to apply for a German residency as a E.U. citizen ?
Ok. I don’t understand you first comment then. You are a German resident and eligible. What’s the issue?
The issue is what the jobcenter said – according to them, I’m not eligible for Hartz-IV because I’m in Germany on the basis of being employed. But to my knowledge, as a EU citizen, who’s been living and working in Germany, angemeldet and with a Finanzamt nummer… I’m a resident, therefore, I’m entitled to Hartz-IV.
I’m not sure if they’re just trying to dismiss my claim or if there’s an actual law that says, EU citizens living/working in Germany do not have a right to Hartz-IV. I’ve read they did not since 2016, but I also know EU people residing in Germany that have had Hartz-IV, so I’m a bit lost… Do I need to correct my jobcenter info, stating that Germany is my main country of residency, or… ? Sorry for spreading the confusion! Hope it’s clearer now. Thanks again.
Hey Jean. I am as confused as you on this one. EU citizens have right to ALG2. I don’t know what’s happening here. Maybe redirect them to this page?
Thank you so much for this information. It’s so helpful! I was wondering if I may ask a question. I’m currently on ALG – 1. The 12 month period ends soon. Will I automatically switch to ALG – 2, or do I need to specifically apply for it? Is it like starting from the beginning again? Many thanks! Take care, Jean
Hey Jean. That’s a good question. No, the two benefits are not related and you would need to do a new application.
Hi Bastien,
Thanks for the info. My ALG1 period will also end soon. Do you recommend to apply to ALG2 in advance (and how much in advance) or rather after ALG1 is finished? Thank you!
Hey Rafa. After. You can always prepare all forms in advance and send an application on the first day after your ALG1 rights are over. This is probably more cautious since you want to apply when you don’t have any other resources.
Hello, thank you for the information!
My question is, does Jobcenter pays the health insurance directly to the insurance company or pay me and I have to pay the bill?
Hey Maki. Yes, the Job center pays directly for you.
Hello Bastien,
I am from India, and did my masters in Germany. After that I worked for 9 months in a company on EU blue card and lost my job due to Covid. Then I applied for ALG-1 (not eligible) but got accepted for ALG-2 for 6 months (also visa extension to look for jobs)..and I am grateful to Germany for it.
My question is, although I am looking for jobs rigorously, it has been a tough journey, and my visa/ALG-2 expires in October. I understand, my best option is to secure a job before that, however, if that is not the case, will my visa and ALG-2 be extended for another 6 months?
Thanks in advance,
And your website is awesome!
Hey Abhijeet. Glad you liked the website. I unfortunately can’t give your precise advice because it depends on your profile and other parameters which can’t be examined within a comments’ section. Visa issues are really a case by case thing. I can only share my opinion: The timing of it all may still play in your favor as the economy is still not recovering from COVID. So one could argue this is why it takes more time to find a job and thus be granted another extension. But i of course can’t say for sure. It might be worth asking this official hotline about this. Good luck with it all.