Free Funding

Do you receive basic income support, receive job placement assistance from the Job Center, and need special help to fully re-enter the workforce? In these and other similar situations, Free Funding can help you find and keep a job.
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The Free Funding program offers you a personalized solution for (re)entering the workforce—take advantage of this opportunity!

Key Points at a Glance

If you receive basic income support, there aremany assistance programs available to help you transition into the workforce. If these are not sufficient, you have the option of applying for Free Funding. To do so, you must meet certain requirements. Together with your Job Center, you can discuss tailored measures to help you find your place in the job market.

 

If you have been unemployed for some time or are under 25 years of age and are having difficulty finding a job, you can apply for “Free Funding.” 

The goal of “Free Funding” is to provide you with exactly the support you need to find and keep a job. 

This can be achieved, for example, through the following: 

  • You participate in an individual or group program or continuing education course
  • You participate in a regional project
  • You receive financial support, such as grants, a loan, or reimbursement of expenses

Your local Job center reviews and decides on your application for Free Funding. The type of support is determined on a case-by-case basis in consultation with you. 

Free Funding is a discretionary benefit. This means there is no legal entitlement to it.

Important:

You must submit your application before the expected costs are incurred. 

In certain cases, you may still be eligible for Free Funding for up to 6 months after you start a job.

Who is eligible?

Free Funding is a benefit granted at the discretion of the authorities. This means there is no legal entitlement to it.

You are generally eligible for Free Funding if you

  • receivebasic income supportand are being assisted by the Job Center’s employment services.
  • need special support that isnot coveredby other statutory benefits under Book II of the Social Code (SGB II), such as basic income support.
  • have exhausted alternative financing options, such as bank loans or financial assistance from third parties.

You are not eligible for Free Funding if 

  • you receive basic income support as a supplement to Unemployment benefits.
  • you are eligible for other services offered by your job center, such as reimbursement for job application, travel, or continuing education expenses.
  • The benefit can be provided by a third party, such as other government agencies, health insurance providers, or the pension insurance fund.

Key Topics Related to Free Funding

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Funding

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Apply for Benefits Online

Here you can apply forthe Free Funding directly online. 

Social Benefits from Other Categories

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Work Opportunities

If you receive a basic income support, you may be eligible to participate in a so-called Work Opportunity under certain conditions. This can help you improve your chances of entering or re-entering the workforce. You can find more information here.