Unemployment Benefit (ALG I) and Bürgergeld — Your Rights When Losing Your Job

ALG I is an insurance benefit (not social assistance) — you're entitled to it if you paid contributions. It's the first safety net after losing your employment contract.

ALG I — Conditions

• At least 12 months of employment covered by contributions in the last 30 months
• Registration as arbeitssuchend at Agentur für Arbeit — immediately after receiving notice, at the latest 3 days after (or 3 months before contract end)
• Registration as unemployed at the latest on the first day of unemployment
• Availability for the labor market

How Much?

• 60% of last net salary (without children)
• 67% of last net salary (with children)

Calculated based on the so-called Bemessungsentgelt (average earnings from the last 12 months).

How Long?

After age 50, the period is longer — up to 24 months from age 58.

⚠️ Avoid Sperrzeit!

If you resign voluntarily without good reason or are dismissed for your own fault — you face a Sperrzeit of 12 weeks (no ALG I) and shortening of the total period. Signing an Aufhebungsvertrag also typically triggers Sperrzeit.

Additional Earnings (Hinzuverdienst)

You can earn up to €165 per month without deductions. Working more than 15 hours/week means losing unemployed status — a Minijob within the hour limit is possible.

When ALG I Ends or You Don't Have It

Then Bürgergeld (social assistance from Jobcenter) applies — full amounts for 2026 and conditions are described in a separate article Bürgergeld. Note: from July 1, 2026 Bürgergeld is gradually being transformed into "Neue Grundsicherung" — the name and some rules change, but basic rates remain unchanged (Nullrunde: single €563).

If you work but your income doesn't cover rent, also check Wohngeld (housing allowance).

Where to Apply?

Tips

• Register immediately — don't wait until your last day of work
• Document your applications (Eigeninitiative)
• If sanctioned, file a Widerspruch within 1 month