How much is unemployment benefit in Germany? The German government supports all unemployed people but here’s how much unemployment benefit is and who qualifies:
There are two types of unemployment benefit: Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) and unemployment benefit/social assistance (Arbeitslosengeld II) commonly known as Hartz IV.
In Germany, the benefit you will receive if you become unemployed depends on these factors: how long you have worked in Germany and how long you have paid the compulsory contributions. Below we explain how much and to whom is the amount of unemployment benefit Arbeitslosengeld (ALG I) paid to.
Who is eligible for the Arbeitslosengeld (ALG I) unemployment benefit in Germany?
Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) is granted to unemployed people who have worked in Germany for at least 12 months and have paid social security contributions (unemployment insurance) die Arbeitslosenversicherung during the time of unemployment.
It does not have to be a continuous period, but can also be, for example, three employment periods of four months each. The periods of the statutory insurance obligation are also counted here, e.g. the period of maternity protection or substitute service. Benefit, unlike ALG II, i.e. Anyone can get Hartz IV.
How much is the Arbeitlosengeld I allowance?
The amount of the allowance depends on the amount you received before you lost your job. Childless people receive 60 percent of the current salary, and people with dependent children 67 percent salary.
How long is the Arbeitlosengeld I benefit paid?
The length of the benefit payment depends on the length of service of the unemployed person and his age. This period may vary from six months to even two years.
Where to apply for unemployment benefit in Germany?
You must apply for the Arbeitslosengeld I benefit to the local employment office, Agentur für Arbeit.
To find the office responsible for your place of residence, enter the postal code in the Agentur für Arbeit district search engine .
Why can Arbeitlosengeld I benefit be withheld and for how long ?
The Arbeitslosengeld unemployment benefit may be withheld if you reject the job offer proposed by the employment office or fail to show up for work. The same is true if the unemployed person successfully prevents the employment relationship from coming to fruition, e.g. by failing to attend job interviews.
It may be withheld for 3, 6, or even 12 months – depending on whether you decline an offer for the first, second or third time. Withholding the allowance additionally shortens the period in which the allowance is granted.
Important! If, over time, payment has been suspended several times for a total of 21 weeks, then the right to unemployment benefit is lost.