Unemployed – what to do?
Zuletzt bearbeitet am 5. August 2026
Anyone who is threatened by unemployment or has just become unemployed is usually under massive pressure. At the same time, many questions arise. How am I supposed to make a living now? How do I bridge this phase? Do I still have health insurance? How can I find a new job quickly? Every day, we talk to people who are in exactly this situation and are confronted with these and similar issues.
As an educational partner and provider of prospects, we would also like to be there for you in such a situation. In this article, we will therefore provide you with a little guidance. Together we go through the most important steps – from registering as unemployed to finding a new job. You will also receive useful information and tips on the subject of unemployment.
Suddenly unemployed: 5 tips for the first few months
Once the initial shock has been digested, the first thing to do is keep calm. This is precisely the prerequisite for reorientation and the first steps out of the crisis.
What you should do now:
- Register as unemployed
By registering as unemployed, you will benefit in several ways. First of all, you will receive financial support from the state in the form of unemployment benefit or citizen’s allowance (formerly: unemployment benefit II or ALG 2). Your health insurance will also be covered. The employment agency will support you in your search for a new job or even pay for further training or retraining. You can find all the relevant information, steps and deadlines in our blog article on registering as unemployed. - Secure your reference
Have you received a qualified reference? If not, ask your last employer about it – you are legally entitled to it. After all, your next employer wants to know who they are dealing with. Even if you are looking for a new career direction, you should not do without a reference. - Stay positive
Of course, going into unemployment is not a nice situation, but it is not a hopeless one either. Realize that many people have already experienced this and that you can influence your own situation. - Structure your everyday life
It is particularly important to find a new structure in the changed everyday life without work. A daily routine with fixed get-up times and small rituals will keep you motivated. And you have the energy you need to actively tackle the “new start” project. - Ask yourself
What am I good at? What do I enjoy? Do I want to stay in my old job or start again? By asking yourself these and similar questions, you can find out where your strengths and interests lie. And perhaps also what you would like to do in the future.
From registering as unemployed to starting a new career
So your very first to-do is to register as a job seeker or unemployed. Let’s take a look at what you should bear in mind – and what you can do afterwards.
Schritt 2: Melde dich arbeitslos
You are only unemployed when your employment relationship has actually ended. After giving notice, you are still considered to be looking for work before the notice period expires, but you are already considered unemployed from the first day afterwards.
In this case, you must register as unemployed on the first day of unemployment at the latest. Registering as unemployed is a prerequisite for receiving unemployment benefit. It is best to register in person at the employment agency and bring your identity card with your current registration address.
Since January 1, 2022, it has also been possible to register as unemployed online. A personal appearance is no longer mandatory. However, you will need an ID card with an online ID function or another electronic identification card.
Schritt 3: Beantrage Arbeitslosengeld
If you were employed for at least 12 months in the 30 months prior to registering as unemployed, you are entitled to unemployment benefit. In order to receive unemployment benefit, you must have registered as unemployed beforehand.
If you come from a permanent position, you will usually receive unemployment benefit.
You should send in the application about two weeks before the start of unemployment. You can easily apply for unemployment benefit online at the Employment Agency.
Alternative: Citizen’s income
If you are not entitled to unemployment benefit, you usually apply for citizen’s allowance. However, the citizen’s allowance is not awarded by the employment agency, but by the job center.
Anyone who is capable of working (i.e. able to work at least 3 hours a day) and in need of assistance is entitled to a citizen’s allowance.
A need for assistance exists if the income of all persons who live in a household, run it jointly and are related to each other or have a personal relationship, is below the minimum subsistence level. If, for example, you still have savings or your partner earns enough money to cover your living expenses, no citizen’s allowance will be paid.
You can submit your application either online using the Federal Employment Agency’s web form or in writing by post to the job center responsible for you.
Schritt 4: Lass dich zu deiner beruflichen Zukunft beraten
The search for new career prospects usually starts as soon as you receive your notice of termination or while you are dealing more intensively with the issue of unemployment. During this time, a consultation will also take place at the employment agency. It is best to book the appointment directly online when you register as a job seeker.
After an initial meeting, you will discuss with your contact person there what the next steps should be for you. The first priority, of course, is to find a new job. At the latest when you are receiving unemployment benefit, you will also be looked at more specifically for new career opportunities.
It’s best to think about questions like: Should it stay the same job and the same industry, or do you want to go in a different direction? Do you already have initial ideas or even a plan for your professional future? Are your skills up to date and in demand on the job market? Which sectors are currently experiencing increased demand? Would a position in these areas be an option?
Further training or retraining can also be discussed. It may also make sense to get some initial orientation through coaching. Our consultants will also be happy to help you with any questions you may have about further training. On request, we can also provide you with an individual offer that you can present at your interview at the employment agency. This way, your contact person there will know immediately where the journey should go and can advise you better on this basis.
Schritt 5: Profitiere von der Unterstützung und Förderung der Arbeitsagentur
The support provided by the employment agency varies: In addition to personal advice, you will be presented with suitable job offers directly or via the employment agency’s job portal.
However, you may also be approved for further training, coaching or retraining, which you can then take part in free of charge. Search the internet for certified training providers that have a suitable course or training program.
On our funding opportunities page, we inform you about various ways to secure financial support for your professional advancement. An activation and placement voucher (AVGS) is used to finance coaching and other measures to help you on your way to employment. You can find out more about AVGS coaching and funding on our FAQ page.
Another option is the education voucher, with which the employment agency covers the costs of retraining or further vocational training. This gives you the opportunity to build up new skills or acquire a recognized vocational qualification – and then start your career with better opportunities. You can read everything you need to know about the education voucher on our guide page.
Would you like to get your career off to a flying start?
Then get free advice from our experts now – individual and non-binding.
Unemployment registration and unemployment benefit – frequently asked questions | FAQ
Here we would like to answer the questions we are frequently asked. Perhaps there is a question or two among them that is currently on your mind. Of course, we are also available for you at any time. Our advisors always have an open ear for you – and answers that are sure to help you.
Get answers to the following questions here:
- What do I need to bear in mind when registering for unemployment ?
- What do I have to bear in mind if I have given notice myself?
- When am I entitled to unemployment benefit?
- Do I have to register as unemployed even if I will not be receiving benefits?
- How long can I receive unemployment benefit?
- How high is the unemployment benefit?
- Am I also entitled to unemployment benefit as a self-employed person ?
- What can I do if my unemployment benefit is not enough?
- Can I have a part-time job if I am receiving unemployment benefit?
- Are income and assets offset against my unemployment benefit?
- Do I still receive unemployment benefit during further vocational training?
What do I need to bear in mind when registering for unemployment?
Here are the three most important points in brief so that you don’t lose any time when it comes to unemployment benefit and job hunting:
- Adhere to deadlines
As described in the article above, you should register as a jobseeker or unemployed with the employment agency immediately – i.e. as soon as you learn of the termination or if your fixed-term contract expires in less than three months. Even if you have been given notice of termination, you should register as a jobseeker within three days. Unemployment registration is due on the first day without employment at the latest. - Have your documents ready
You will need the following documents now or shortly. It therefore makes sense to have them ready now- Identity card or passport with confirmation of registration
- Residence permit and work permit
- Social security card
- Letter of termination and last employment contract
- Proof of previous benefit payments such as housing benefit, unemployment benefit I and II, maintenance allowance
- Certificate of receipt of sickness benefit
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Keep in touch with the employment agency
You should be available for the employment agency at all times. The agency will contact you by post. If you are planning to move during this time, you should inform the agency in good time so that the letters reach you at the new address. Otherwise your unemployment benefit may be suspended.
What do I have to bear in mind if I have given notice myself?
If you quit your job yourself, the employment agency will block your unemployment benefit for 3 months. The suspension begins on the first day of unemployment registration. To bridge these 3 months, you should have some savings.
However, there are also reasons that can lead to the suspension period being lifted, for example in the event of resignation due to bullying, sexual harassment or unreliable or non-payment of salary. Private reasons also play a role here. As a rule, the retention period does not apply if you give up your job to move in with your partner in another city.
Please note, however, that the usual notification deadlines apply if you terminate your contract yourself. More on this in our article above.
When am I entitled to unemployment benefit?
There are different requirements for receiving unemployment benefit and citizen’s allowance.
You are entitled to unemployment benefit if you
- have been employed subject to compulsory insurance for at least 12 months in the 30 months prior to registering as unemployed.
- have been employed in predominantly temporary positions for a total of at least 6 months during the 30 months.
You are entitled to a citizen’s allowance if you
- you are unemployed and not entitled to unemployment benefit.
- you will soon no longer receive unemployment benefit but are still in need of assistance.
- you are working, but your salary does not cover the cost of living.
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 benefit. If you are not entitled to unemployment benefit, Citizen’s Allowance is normally paid – but not in every case. If, for example, your partner earns enough or you have savings, you are not entitled to Citizen’s Allowance.
As a result, many people decide without further ado not to register as unemployed in the first place, as there is no prospect of cash benefits. Here are four good reasons to do it anyway:
- You will receive support from the employment agency in your job search. This is worth its weight in gold, because looking for a new job can cost you a lot of work and time. So you can use all the help you can get.
- When your employment relationship ends, your employer will deregister you from the health insurance fund and your insurance cover will cease. If you are registered as unemployed, you will continue to have health insurance.
- Only if you are registered as unemployed does the period of unemployment count towards your future pension. This will not increase your pension, but a complete insurance history is always an advantage. If you want to retire earlier, for example, you have to reach a minimum insurance period – registering as unemployed helps you to do this.
- Unemployment registration is particularly important for entitlement to a reduced earning capacity pension. If there is no notification and the compulsory contributions have not been paid due to unemployment, the entitlement could lapse.
How long can I receive unemployment benefit?
The duration of your entitlement depends on how long you have been in employment subject to compulsory insurance and how old you are. Here is an overview:
| Duration of employment (months) | Age | ALG entitlement period (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 benefit, the employment agency will check whether you meet the requirements for receiving citizen’s allowance.
How high is the unemployment benefit?
Those without children receive 60 percent of their previous net salary when drawing unemployment benefit. If you have children, you will even receive 67 percent of your last net income. The unemployment benefit calculator from the Federal Employment Agency is a good guide.
If you have received a severance payment, this will not be deducted from your unemployment benefit. However, if the employment relationship ends earlier as a result of the termination agreement than it would have ended if the employer had given notice, there may be a blocking period so that you receive less unemployment benefit overall.
Am I also entitled to unemployment benefit as a self-employed person?
Self-employed persons, small business owners and freelancers can also receive unemployment benefit under certain conditions.
Self-employed persons must have been insured for at least 12 months 30 months before becoming unemployed . It is therefore advisable to take out voluntary unemployment insurance when you become self-employed.
To receive unemployment benefit, you must register as unemployed and may not work more than 15 hours a week.
If you are self-employed and do not meet the requirements for receiving unemployment benefit, you still have the option of receiving citizen’s allowance. The most important requirement is that the income from your self-employment is no longer sufficient to support yourself or your family.
What can I do if my unemployment benefit is not enough?
If your unemployment benefit is not enough to cover your rent or other costs, for example, you can also apply for housing benefit, child benefits or citizen’s allowance. You apply for the latter at the job center responsible for you.
Can I have a part-time job if I am receiving unemployment benefit?
Do you receive unemployment benefit but still want to earn some extra money? No problem. You have an allowance of 165 euros per month. However, if you earn more, the part of your earnings that is above the allowance will be deducted from your unemployment benefit. This means that your unemployment benefit will be reduced in this case.
Are savings, rental income or interest deducted from my unemployment benefit?
Income such as rental income and interest is not offset against unemployment benefit. The same applies to savings or real estate. Your partner’s income or assets are also irrelevant here.
However, only people in need of assistance receive the citizen’s allowance. This means you can only draw it if you have no income or savings to support yourself and your family.
Do I still receive unemployment benefit during further vocational training?
You can make good use of the period of unemployment with further training. If you are entitled to unemployment benefit, this will continue to be paid to you during your further training at the level already approved. If the training is necessary and the training provider and your training are certified, there is a good chance that the employment agency will cover the costs. You can find out more on our advice page on education vouchers.
If you are still unemployed after the training, you can apply for unemployment benefit for at least 30 days – even if your entitlement to unemployment benefit expires during the training and therefore no longer exists. So you benefit in several ways from further training or retraining.
