💼 Work

🆘 Lost my job — What to do now

Step by step: From registering with the employment agency to Bürgergeld. Critical deadlines — don't miss them!

German terms

Arbeitsagentur Arbeitslosengeld Bürgergeld Jobcenter Sperrzeit Kündigungsschutz Abfindung

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Arbeitssuchendmeldung

Within 3 days of learning about your dismissal! Online: arbeitsagentur.de or call: 0800 4 5555 00 (free). If late: 1 week penalty on ALG I.

Check your termination letter Required

Kündigungsschreiben prüfen

Is it written (email is NOT enough)? Is the notice period correct? Is a reason given? Keep the original! You have 3 weeks for a Kündigungsschutzklage (unfair dismissal claim).

⚠️ Check impact on your residence permit Required

Aufenthaltstitel prüfen

Blue Card: 3 months to find a new job. Work permit: inform Ausländerbehörde immediately. EU citizens: no problem. Receiving Bürgergeld may affect permit renewal.

Apply for unemployment benefit (ALG I) Required

Arbeitslosengeld (ALG I)

60% of net pay (67% with children). Requirement: 12 months of contributions in last 30 months. Duration: up to 12 months (under 50). Apply: in person at Agentur für Arbeit. Maximum 2026: ~€2,390/month (West).

Avoid the blocking period (Sperrzeit) Required

Sperrzeit vermeiden

If you quit yourself: 12 weeks no ALG I! Exceptions: harassment, unpaid wages, health reasons. Aufhebungsvertrag (mutual termination) = also Sperrzeit! Ask a lawyer before signing.

Bürgergeld — if ALG I is not enough Optional

Bürgergeld

€563/month (single) + rent + heating. Apply at Jobcenter. For foreigners: need residence permit with work authorization. Warning: may affect permit renewal!

Secure documents from employer Required

Dokumente sichern

Request: 1) Work reference (Arbeitszeugnis) — your legal right. 2) Last payslips. 3) Annual tax certificate (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung). 4) Insurance period confirmation. You need all of these for ALG I and your next job.

Lawyer / Advice (often free) Optional

Rechtsanwalt / Beratung

Beratungshilfe: free legal aid for low income — apply at Amtsgericht (local court). Without Rechtsschutzversicherung: first instance at Arbeitsgericht (labor court) doesn't require a lawyer. Our specialists: hamboorg.city/directory/