Unemployment benefit
Unemployment benefits (ALG) provide you with social security if you lose your job or apprenticeship. They replace a portion of your lost income so that you can continue to make ends meet.
You can apply for Unemployment benefits directly here.
Digital Application Assistant
Step 1
Digital Application Assistant: Find the relevant authority & submit an application
Use our wizard to find the right authority in just a few steps and submit your application straight away.
Please start by entering your place of residence so that we can show you the relevant information, application forms, your relevant authority and the applicable data protection regulations. We will then ask you four short questions to help us find the right authority for you.
In which town or parish do you live?
The Online Application – Explained Simply
Please enter your ZIP code. We will use the location you provide to determine whether you can submit an online application.
Fill out the online application. You can conveniently fill out the online form from home. You can simply take photos of the required documents and upload them.
Submit your application online. Before doing so, please check that you have provided all the necessary information and supporting documents correctly.
Please allow time for processing. If there are any follow-up questions or new information regarding your application, the relevant office will contact you.
Note on Data Storage
If you log in with your service account, you can save your application and continue it at a later time. Please note, however, that the information you have entered will only be saved for 24 hours. After 24 hours have elapsed, you will need to start the application over from the beginning.
In a nutshell
You can apply for unemployment benefits (ALG) if you lose your job and register as unemployed. ALG provides you with social security.
It replaces a portion of your lost income so that you can continue to make ends meet. You are eligible for this benefit if, prior to becoming unemployed, you were covered by mandatory or voluntary insurance for a certain period of time and paid monthly insurance premiums.
The unemployment benefit is an insurance benefit and is funded by what is known as unemployment insurance.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for unemployment benefit if you were covered by mandatory or voluntary insurance for a certain period of time before becoming unemployed.
Required Documents
When you register as unemployed, you'll need your ID card with your current registered address or a residence permit.
The additional documents you’ll need to submit your application vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Deadlines
It is important that you register as unemployed with the Employment Agency no later than the first day of your unemployment in order to claim your entitlement to Unemployment benefit (ALG). You must register in person at the Employment Agency or online through the Federal Employment Agency’s portal.
You can register as unemployed in person or online no earlier than 3 months before the start of your unemployment.
That's how long it takes
The processing time for your application varies depending on the individual case.
The Employment Agency will make every effort to notify you as soon as possible.
That is why it is important that you submit a complete set of documents.
These costs are incurred
Applying for Unemployment benefit is free of charge for you.
