Unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I)
An insurance benefit replacing part of your salary if you lose a job you paid contributions in.
Verified as of 2026-06-13 · Official source
Typical value
About 60% of your previous net salary (67% with a child); depends on your earnings.
Official calculatorAbout this benefit
Arbeitslosengeld I is an insurance benefit, not a means-tested one: if you were employed and paid into unemployment insurance long enough, you receive a share of your previous net salary while you look for work. You normally need at least 12 months of contributions in the last 30, and you must register as unemployed with the Agentur für Arbeit — ideally before your job ends. This page explains the benefit; it does not assess your individual entitlement.
You may be eligible if
- You recently lost or are leaving employment in which you paid unemployment insurance.
- You have at least ~12 months of contributions within the last 30 months.
- You register as seeking work with the Agentur für Arbeit (do this early).
Official sources
Change log
- 2026-06-12 — Initial publication.
- 2026-06-13 — Updated calculator link after arbeitsagentur.de restructure; re-verified.
Information, not legal or tax advice. Always check the official source for your case.