Unemployed—what should I do?
Zuletzt bearbeitet am 4. August 2026
Anyone who is at risk of unemployment or has just become unemployed is usually under immense pressure. At the same time, many questions arise. How am I supposed to make ends meet now? How do I get through this period? Do I still have health insurance? How can I find a new job quickly? Every day, we speak with people who are in exactly this situation and are facing these and similar questions.
As your educational partner and a source of guidance, we want to be there for you even in a situation like this. In this article, we’ll therefore provide you with some helpful guidance. Together, we’ll walk you through the most important steps—from registering as unemployed to landing a new job. In addition, you’ll receive useful information and tips on the topic of unemployment.
Suddenly Unemployed: 5 Tips for the Early Stages
Once you’ve gotten over the initial shock, the first thing to do is stay calm. That’s exactly what you need to get your bearings and take the first steps toward recovering from the crisis.
What you should do now:
- Register as unemployedat
. By registering as unemployed, you’ll benefit in several ways. First of all, you’ll receive financial support from the government in the form of unemployment benefits or the citizen’s income (formerly: Unemployment Benefit II or ALG 2). Your health insurance will also be covered. The employment agency will help you find a new job, or they may even pay for your continuing education or retraining. In our blog post on registering as unemployed, you’ll find all the relevant information, steps, and deadlines. - Get your reference letter at
. Have you received a formal reference letter? If not, ask your most recent employer for one—you’re legally entitled to it. After all, your next employer will want to know who they’re dealing with. Even if you’re looking to change careers, you shouldn’t go without a reference letter. - Stay positive
Of course, becoming unemployed isn’t a pleasant situation, but it’s not a hopeless one either. Keep in mind that many people have been through this before, and that you yourself can take control of your situation. - Structure Your Daily Routine
It’s especially important to find a new structure in your changed daily routine without work. A daily routine with set wake-up times and small rituals will keep you motivated. And you’ll have the energy you need to actively tackle your “Fresh Start” project. - Ask yourself:
What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? Do I want to stay in my current job or start over? By asking yourself these and similar questions, you’ll discover where your strengths and interests lie. And perhaps you’ll also find out what you’d like to do in the future.
From Registering as Unemployed to a New Career Start
So your very first step is to register as a job seeker or as unemployed. Let’s take a look at what you need to keep in mind—and what your next steps might be.
Schritt 2: Melde dich arbeitslos
You are not considered unemployed until your employment relationship has actually ended. After receiving a notice of termination, you are still considered a job seeker until the end of the notice period, but you are considered unemployed starting on the first day after that.
In this case, you must register as unemployed no later than the first day of unemployment. Registering as unemployed is a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefits. It’s best to register in person at the employment agency and bring your ID card with your current address.
As of January 1, 2022, it is also possible to register as unemployed online. You are no longer required to appear in person. However, to do so, you’ll need an ID card with an online ID function or another form of electronic identification.
Schritt 3: Beantrage Arbeitslosengeld
If you were employed in a position subject to social insurance contributions for at least 12 months during the 30 months prior to registering as unemployed, you are entitled to unemployment benefits. To receive unemployment benefits, you must first register as unemployed.
If you are coming from a permanent position, you will generally receive unemployment benefits.
You should submit your application about two weeks before you become unemployed. You can easily apply for unemployment benefits online through the Employment Agency.
Alternatively: Basic Income
If you are not eligible for unemployment benefits, you will generally apply for the citizen’s income. However, the citizen’s income is not administered by the Employment Agency, but by the Job Center.
Everyone who is able to work (that is, capable of working at least 3 hours a day) and in need of assistance is eligible for the citizen’s income.
A person is considered in need of assistance if the combined income of all individuals living in a household—who manage the household together and are related or have a personal relationship—is below the subsistence level. Therefore, if, for example, you still have savings or your partner earns enough money to cover your living expenses, you will not receive the basic income.
You can submit your application either online using the Federal Employment Agency’s web form or in writing by mail to the Job Center responsible for your area.
Schritt 4: Lass dich zu deiner beruflichen Zukunft beraten
The search for a new career opportunity usually begins as soon as you receive your notice of termination or as you start to think more seriously about unemployment. During this time, you’ll also have a counseling session at the employment agency . It’s best to book your appointment online right away when you register as a job seeker.
After an initial meeting, you’ll discuss your next steps with your local contact person. Of course, the primary focus at first will be on finding a new job. Once you start receiving unemployment benefits—if not before—the search for new career opportunities will become more concrete.
It’s best to give some thought beforehand to questions like: Do you want to stay in the same profession and industry, or do you want to take a different direction? Do you already have some initial ideas—or even a plan—for your professional future? Are your skills up to date and in demand in the job market? Which industries are currently seeing increased hiring? Would a position in these fields be a possibility for you?
We can also discuss continuing education or retraining. It might also be helpful to start with some coaching to get your bearings. Our advisors are also happy to assist you with any questions you have about continuing education. Upon request, we can also prepare a personalized proposal for you to present during your meeting at the employment agency. This way, your contact person there will immediately know what direction you’re heading in and can better advise you based on that information.
Schritt 5: Profitiere von der Unterstützung und Förderung der Arbeitsagentur
The support provided by the Employment Agency takes various forms: In addition to personal counseling, you’ll be presented with suitable job openings either directly or through the Employment Agency’s job portal.
However, you may also be approved for continuing education, coaching, or retraining, which you can then take for free. Search online for certified educational providers that offer a suitable course or program.
On our “Funding Opportunities” page, we provide information about various ways to secure financial support for your career advancement. For example, an Activation and Placement Voucher (AVGS) is used to fund coaching sessions and other measures that help you on your path to employment. You can learn more about AVGS coaching and funding on our FAQ page.
Another option is the education voucher, through which the Employment Agency covers the costs of retraining or continuing vocational education. This gives you the opportunity to gain new skills or earn a recognized vocational degree—and then launch your career with better prospects. You can read everything you need to know about the education voucher on our advice page.
Call directly
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Registering as Unemployed and Unemployment Benefits – Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ
Here, we’d like to answer some of the questions we’re frequently asked. Maybe you’ll find one or two questions here that you’re currently wondering about. Of course, we’re always here to help. Our advisors are always ready to listen—and provide answers that are sure to help you.
Find answers to the following questions here:
- What do I need to keep in mind when registering as unemployed ?
- What do I need to keep in mind if I resigned?
- When am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
- Do I have to register as unemployed even if I won’t be receiving benefits?
- How long can I receive unemployment benefits?
- How much is the unemployment benefit?
- As a self-employed person, am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
- What can I do if my unemployment benefits aren’t enough?
- Can I have a part-time job while receiving unemployment benefits?
- Will my income and assets be taken into account when calculating my unemployment benefits?
- Am I eligible for unemployment benefits while I’m participating in continuing professional education?
What do I need to keep in mind when registering as unemployed?
Here’s a quick summary of the three most important points so you don’t waste any time when it comes to unemployment benefits and job hunting:
- Meeting Deadlines
As described above in the article, you should immediately register with the employment agency as a job seeker or as unemployed—that is, as soon as you learn of your termination or if your fixed-term contract expires in less than three months. Even if the termination caught you by surprise, you should register as a job seeker within three days. You must register as unemployed no later than the first day you are out of work. - Gather the necessary documents
You will need the following documents now or in the near future. It’s therefore a good idea to have them ready now- Identification card or passport with proof of residence
- Residence Permit and Work Permit
- Social Security Card
- Notice of Termination and Final Employment Contract
- Proof of previous benefit receipts, such as housing assistance, Unemployment Benefits I and II, and child support
- Certificate of Sick Pay Receipt
- Updated Resume
- Stay in touch with the Employment Agency
You should be reachable by the Employment Agency at all times. The agency will contact you by mail. If you plan to move during this time, you should inform the agency in a timely manner so that letters can be sent to your new address. Otherwise, your unemployment benefits may be suspended.
What do I need to keep in mind if I resigned?
If you quit your job voluntarily, the employment agency will impose a 3-month waiting period before you can receive unemployment benefits. The waiting period begins on the first day you register as unemployed. To get through these 3 months, you should have some savings set aside.
However, there are also circumstances that can lead to the waiver of the waiting period, such as voluntarily resigning due to bullying, sexual harassment, or unreliable or non-payment of wages. Personal reasons also play a role here. For example, the waiting period is generally waived if you quit your job to move to another city to live with your partner.
Please note, however, that if you resign voluntarily, the standard notice periods apply. For more information, see our article above.
When am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
There are different eligibility requirements for receiving unemployment benefits and the citizen’s income.
You are eligible for unemployment benefits if you
- you were employed in a position subject to social insurance contributions for at least 12 months during the 30 months prior to registering as unemployed.
- you were employed for a total of at least 6 months in positions subject to social insurance contributions—primarily in temporary positions—over the course of 30 months.
You are eligible for the citizen’s income if you
- you are unemployed and are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
- you will soon stop receiving unemployment benefits but will still be in need of assistance.
- You may be working, but your salary isn’t enough to cover your living expenses.
Do I have to register as unemployed even if I don’t want to receive benefits?
Not everyone who registers as unemployed is entitled to unemployment benefits. If you are not entitled to unemployment benefits, you will normally receive the basic income—though not in every case. For example, if your partner earns enough or you have savings, you are not entitled to the basic income.
As a result, many people decide on the spot not to register as unemployed in the first place, since there’s no prospect of receiving any financial benefits. Here are four good reasons to do it anyway:
- The employment agency will help you find a job. That’s worth its weight in gold, because looking for a new job can take a lot of time and effort. So you can use all the help you can get.
- When your employment ends, your employer will deregister you with your health insurance provider, and your coverage will be suspended. If you are registered as unemployed, you will continue to have health insurance coverage.
- Only if you’re registered as unemployed will the period of unemployment count toward your future pension. While this won’t increase your pension, having a continuous insurance record is always an advantage. For example, if you want to retire early, you’ll need to meet a minimum insurance period—being registered as unemployed helps you achieve that.
- Registering as unemployed is particularly important for eligibility for a disability pension. If you do not register and the mandatory contributions are not paid due to unemployment, your eligibility could be forfeited.
How long can I receive unemployment benefits?
The duration of benefits depends on how long you were employed in a position subject to social insurance contributions and how old you are. Here is an overview:
| Length of employment (months) | Age | , Duration of Unemployment Benefits (months) |
| 12 | – | 6 |
| 16 | – | 8 |
| 20 | – | 10 |
| 24 | – | 12 |
| 30 | 50 | 15 |
| 36 | 55 | 18 |
| 48 | 58 | 24 |
If you have exhausted your entitlement to unemployment benefits, the Employment Agency will determine whether you meet the requirements to receive the citizen’s income.
How much is the unemployment benefit?
People without children receive 60 percent of their previous net salary when collecting unemployment benefits. If you have children, you’ll receive as much as 67 percent of your last net income. The Federal Employment Agency’s unemployment benefits calculator is a good resource for estimating your benefits.
If you received a severance payment, it will not be counted toward your unemployment benefits. However, if the employment relationship ends earlier under the termination agreement than it would have if the employer had terminated it, a waiting period may apply, meaning you will receive less in unemployment benefits overall.
As a self-employed person, am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
Self-employed individuals, small business owners, and freelancers may also be eligible to receive unemployment benefits under certain conditions.
To be eligible, self-employed individuals must have been insured for at least 12 months during the 30 months prior to becoming unemployed . It is therefore advisable to take out voluntary unemployment insurance as soon as you become self-employed.
To receive unemployment benefits, you must register as unemployed and may not work more than 15 hours a week.
If, as a self-employed person, you do not meet the requirements for receiving unemployment benefits, you may still be eligible for the citizen’s income. The most important requirement is that your income from self-employment is no longer sufficient to support yourself or your family.
What can I do if my unemployment benefits aren’t enough?
If your unemployment benefits aren’t enough to cover your rent or other expenses, for example, you can also apply for housing assistance, child benefits, or the citizen’s income. You can apply for the citizen’s income at the Jobcenter responsible for your area.
Can I have a part-time job while receiving unemployment benefits?
Are you receiving unemployment benefits but still want to earn some extra money? No problem. You have a monthly allowance of 165 euros. However, if you earn more than that, the portion of your earnings that exceeds the allowance will be deducted from your unemployment benefits. This means your unemployment benefits will be reduced in this case.
Are savings, rental income, or interest taken into account when calculating my unemployment benefits?
Income such as rent and interest is not counted toward your unemployment benefits. The same applies to savings and real estate. Your partner’s income or assets also do not factor into this calculation.
However, only people in need of assistance are eligible for the basic income. This means you can only receive it if you have no income or savings to cover your living expenses and those of your family.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits while I’m participating in continuing professional education?
Continuing education is a great way to make good use of your time while you’re unemployed. If you’re eligible for unemployment benefits, you’ll continue to receive them at the previously approved rate even while you’re pursuing continuing education. If the continuing education is necessary and both the educational institution and your program are certified, there’s a good chance that the Employment Agency will cover the costs. You can learn more about this on our advice page about the education voucher.
If you are still unemployed after completing your continuing education program, you can apply for unemployment benefits for at least 30 days—even if your entitlement to unemployment benefits expires during the program and therefore technically no longer exists. This means you benefit in several ways from continuing education or retraining.
