Unemployment & Job Search

Don’t have enough money to cover your living costs? Are you able and willing to work, but currently unable to find a job? Or do you have a small income, which is not enough? If any of this currently applies to you, you will find the appropriate assistance on this page. Date of translation: 20 December 2023
Eine illustrierte Figur sitzt vor einem Computer.

Content of this Page

Eine Zeitung mit Stellenanzeigen.

Here you can find support services on the subject of unemployment and job search.

  1. Financial Support
  2. Job Search Assistance for Recipients of Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)
  3. For employers and the self-employed

1. Financial Support

Illustration des Wegweisers. Er kommt aus dem Bildschirm eines großen Monitors. Seine linke Hand hält eine Dokumentenmappe, mit der rechten hält er ein Megafon. Vor dem Monitor liegen Arbeitsutensilien wie Arbeitshelme, Werkzeuge und Aktenordner sowie eine Kochmütze

Unemployment benefit

Unemployment benefit, or ALG (from the German word Arbeitslosengeld), provides a social safety net in case you lose your job or training position. It replaces part of your missing income so that you can continue to pay your bills.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie spielt mit einem Fußball. Neben ihr steht ein Rucksack. Unter dem linken Arm trägt sie zwei Bücher.

Education and participation (Bildung und Teilhabe)

In Germany, children, teens and young adults are supposed to have equal opportunities. Education and participation in social and cultural activities are important factors in ensuring equal opportunity. For this reason, the state provides benefits to support education and participation. This is also known as the education and participation package.

Illustration des Wegweisers. Vor ihm steht ein voller Einkaufskorb, dahinter sieht man ein Schild, auf dem Kasse steht. Eine Gedankenblase zeigt ein Haus.

Citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld)

If you do not have enough money to cover your living expenses, you may be entitled to citizen's allowance. In order to receive it, you must either live in a community of need with a citizen's allowance recipient or generally be able to work. If this does not apply to you, you can apply for assistance with living expenses or basic income support.

2. Job Search Assistance for Recipients of Citizen's Allowance (Bürgergeld)

Illustration des Wegweisers. Er ragt aus einem großen Monitor heraus. In der einen Hand hält er eine Zeitung mit Jobanzeigen, in der anderen ein Megafon. Am Monitor hängt ein Mitarbeiterausweis mit der Aufschrift "Aushilfe". Um den Monitor herum liegen Alltagsgegenstände, Kaffeetassen, Gärtnerwerkzeug, ein Wasserschlauch und eine Gießkanne.

Work Opportunities

If you receive citizen's benefits, you can take part in a so-called work opportunity under certain conditions. This can improve your chances of (re-)entering working life. You can find more information here.

illustration des Wegweisers. Über seiner ausgestreckten rechten Hand schwebt der Gutschein, im Hintergrund sieht man zwei Pfeile nach oben. Außerdem einen Stapel Bücher, eine Absolventenkappe und einen Globus. Auf dem Stapel Bücher steht zudem ein Mikroskop.

Activation and Placement Voucher (AVGS)

Do you need support with your professional (re)integration? Or do you want to improve your chances on the job market? In these cases, the activation and placement voucher may be the right help for you. You can find more information here.

Der Wegweiser zeigt auf eine startende Rakete.

Benefit to promote integration into the labour market (Einstiegsgeld)

Are you currently receiving unemployment benefit II (ALG II) and would like to start your own business? Or would you like to start a job that is subject to social insurance contributions? If so, you can find out everything you need to know on this page.

Der Wegweiser präsentiert einen Lebenslauf, ein Zertifikat und ein Nahverkehrsticket.

Grant from Placement Budget

If you are looking for or taking up a new job or training, you can have your expenses (such as travel costs and costs for certificates) reimbursed. This also applies to expenses that you incur within the first 6 months of starting work. You can find out more about this benefit here.

Illustration des Wegweisers. Er ist umgeben von Schulbedarfsgegenständen.

Supporting young people who are difficult to reach

Are you between 15 and 25 years old and currently in a difficult life situation, for example because you can't find a job or training place? Then you may be able to apply for this benefit. It can help you to complete a qualification, find a job or receive social benefits. You can find more information here.

Der Wegweiser hält eine Brieftasche und einen Globus.

Free Funding

Do you receive citizen's benefits (Bürgergeld), are you being supported by the job center in finding work and need special help to get back into the job market? In these and other similar cases, the free funding program can help you find and keep work. You can find more information about the benefit here.

3. For Employers and the Self-Employed

Der Wegweiser präsentiert den Handschlag zweier Personen.

Integration of the Long-Term Unemployed (Eingliederung von Langzeitarbeitslosen)

If you, as an employer, would like to employ eligible persons, you can apply to the Jobcenter for wage subsidies in accordance with the Participation Opportunities Act (Teilhabechancengesetz). Persons who have been unemployed for at least two years and receive citizen's benefits (Bürgergeld) are eligible. You can find more information about the benefit here.

Der Wegweiser erklärt ein Flipchart, auf diesem sind Grafiken zu erkennen.

Integration of Self-Employed

Do you receive Citizen's Benefit and are self-employed? Or are you planning to become self-employed as your main occupation after receiving the citizen's benefit? The Jobcenter can support you in becoming self-employed. You can find more information here.

Der Wegweiser präsentiert einen unterzeichneten Arbeitsvertrag. Es sind auch Aktenordner und Werkzeuge zu sehen.

Participation in the Job Market

If you are an employer and would like to employ long-term unemployed people, you can apply to the Jobcenter for wage subsidies in accordance with the Participation Opportunities Act. People who have not been able to find a job for many years and who receive citizen's benefit are eligible. You can find information on the benefit here.

Directly to the Application Form

Help in all situations.

Die Wegweiserin schaut aus einem Tablet heraus, welches an einen Stapel Bücher angelehnt horizontal aufgestellt ist. Sie zeigt auf Symbole, die mit der Schule zusammenhängen.

Vocational Training & Studies

Would you like to study or do vocational training and need financial support? Then you can apply for various financial aids. On this page you will find the appropriate offers of help.

Illustration der Wegweiserin. Sie steht vor einem Sideboard. Über dem Sideboard sind Bilder an der Wand zu sehen. Über ihrer linken Hand schwebt ein Schlüssel.

Housing

Are you employed, but your income isn’t enough to rent a suitable flat? Or do you receive unemployment benefit, but it isn’t enough to cover the rent? If this currently applies to you, you will find the appropriate help on this page.

illustration des Wegweisers. Er sitzt mit einem Buch n der Hand in einem Sessel.Daneben steht eine Babywiege. Vor ihm liegen Kinderspielzeuge.

Family & Children

Do you have one or more children and would like to know how you can apply for support to finance their education or your living expenses? Then you will find all the information and the right help on this page.

Der Wegweiser schiebt einen Rollstuhl. Vor ihm liegt ein Hund.

Health & Care

Do you need help because you are currently unable to work due to an illness? Or do you need support for special needs, for example due to a disability? On this page you will find suitable offers of help to support you or your relatives in the areas of health and care.