How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits in Germany: A Guide

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

Unemployment benefit is a financial assistance provided to people who have lost their jobs and are actively seeking new employment.

Who needs it?

This benefit is typically for people who have been working in Germany and have lost their jobs. It doesn’t matter if you are a foreigner or a local, as long as you have been working and paying unemployment insurance for at least 12 months in Germany, you will be eligible to apply.

Procedure

  1. Register as a job seeker with Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) either online or at a local job center.
  2. After registering, you should receive confirmation from the job center in about 2-3 weeks.
  3. After getting confirmation, apply for unemployment benefit online at the online portal of Federal Employment Agency
  4. Your application will be reviewed and an approval or denial is typically sent within 4-6 weeks.
  5. If approved, you could receive financial assistance as unemployment benefit till you find a new job.

Required Documents

  • Completed application form
  • Passport or Identity Card
  • Proof of dismissal or termination of employment
  • Registration as a job seeker
  • Bank account details for receiving payment

Providers that can do it for you

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Additional details

  • Unemployment benefit is calculated as a percentage of your average earnings over the last 12 months before becoming unemployed.
  • After you have registered yourself as unemployed, you are considered available for work and should not leave Germany for more than a combined total of 21 days in a calendar year without notifying the Federal Employment Agency.
  • It is also possible to freelance while receiving unemployment benefits but you need to inform and get approval from the Federal Employment Agency. However, your freelancing earnings would be deducted from your unemployment benefits.
  • You are also required to report to the job center regularly (monthly or bi-monthly) and show that you’re actively seeking employment.

Please note: The information in this guide is subject to change and may vary based on an individual’s status. Always verify the process and requirements on the Federal Employment Agency’s website.

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