General Information Germany Study Abroad in Germany

Unemployment Benefits in Germany

Tejal PatelDecember 21, 2022

304 4 minutes read

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Unemployment Benefits in Germany

Unemployment benefits in Germany, commonly known as “unemployment insurance,” serve as a safety net for individuals who are unemployed and actively looking for work. Unemployment benefits in Germany are supported by company and employee payments. It assists individuals in meeting their basic living expenditures while looking for their next chance. If you’ve ever wondered how international unemployment benefits work in Germany, this is the post for you. Continue reading to find out more.

Types of Unemployment Benefits

In Germany, there are various forms of unemployment benefits available. The most common two forms of unemployment benefits are Unemployment benefit I and Unemployment benefit II, commonly known as Arbeitslosengeld I and Arbeitslosengeld II (or Hartz IV).

1. Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I)

This is the primary form of unemployment benefit in Germany and is intended to provide financial assistance to individuals who have lost their job and are actively seeking employment. The amount of the benefit is based on the individual’s previous earnings and is paid out for a limited time, typically for up to one year. Urgent allowances might be given to you by the Arbeitsagentur. It depends on how much money you have saved and what you possess, such as a house or a car, among other things.

Who can receive Unemployment Benefit I?

To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

You’ve gone to your local employment office and registered as unemployed (Arbeitsamt).
You want a job that will give you at least 15 hours per week.
You are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, or you hold a German work visa or permit.

How much amount would you receive under Unemployment Benefit I?

The amount of Arbeitslosengeld you receive will be determined by your age, length of employment, and contribution to unemployment insurance before being unemployed. The amount of benefit you receive is determined by your average net earnings in the 12 months preceding your unemployment (known as the “assessment period”). Your benefit will be 60% of your prior average pay (or 67% if you have children), up to a maximum of 7.050 euros per month in West Germany and 6.750 euros in East Germany. Your benefit payments will subsequently be taxed and subject to social security contributions, just like any other wage. The employment office will deduct these from your benefit before transferring them to your bank account at the end of each month.

Who is barred from receiving Unemployment Benefit I?

When your unemployment benefit payment is suspended (for up to 12 weeks), this is known as a suspension (or Sperrzeit).

If you give up,
If you are dismissed because of misdemeanors,
If you get a severance payment (Abfindung)
Job offer with benefits declined
If you aren’t looking for work actively

How to apply for Unemployment Benefit I?

To apply, do the following steps:

1. Register as a job seeker (on the Federal Employment Agency’s website or by calling their hotline at 0800 4 555500).

2. Register in person at your local employment office, where you will require the following:

Passport or ID card
Registration certificate
Visa or residency permit (if applicable)

3. Submit an application.

2. Unemployment Benefit II (Arbeitslosengeld II)

This form of unemployment benefit, also known as “Hartz IV,” is intended for individuals who are unable to find work and are not eligible for unemployment assistance. This benefit is ideal for low-income earners. The benefit is based on the individual’s personal and financial circumstances and is paid out indefinitely, provided the individual continues to meet the eligibility requirements. It is normally paid out for a period of 12 months unless you are self-employed or have a variable income (in which case it will be paid out for a period of 6 months). You’ll have to reapply after that.

Who can receive Unemployment Benefit II?

You are eligible for the Unemployment Benefit II if:

You are between the ages of 15 and the mandatory retirement age.
You can work at least 3 hours every day under normal conditions.
You cannot fulfil your basic living expenses.
You are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, or you have a German work visa.

What is covered by the Unemployment Benefit II?

Compensation should meet your basic survival needs in society, which include:

Health coverage
Assistance for children and young adults (e.g. school necessities)
Special needs expenses are one-time costs.

How to apply for Unemployment benefit II?

Make sure you’re qualified for other benefits before applying, such as:

Child benefit or allowance
Sickness benefit
Housing benefit
Maternity

If you still want assistance, apply for unemployment benefit II by completing the following steps:

1. Visit your local job center, and bring the following:

ID card or passport
Visa or residence permit
Social security (Sozialversicherungsausweis)

2. Fill out an application.

3. Submit your documents to the job center.

4. Provide the necessary documentation:

Bank statements from the last 6 months
Rental contract
Proof of living costs
Income and assets

Overall, unemployment benefits in Germany are intended to help individuals meet their basic living expenses while they search for a new job. They are an important safety net for those who are out of work and provide support during periods of economic uncertainty. In general, Unemployment benefit II is lower than unemployment assistance (Arbeitslosengeld I), which is based on the individual’s previous earnings. However, it is important to note that the amount of Unemployment benefit II may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances and may be adjusted over time based on changes in their income or expenses.