🇩🇪 Germany

Arbeitslosengeld I

Unemployment Insurance Benefit

Medium ~20 min UnemploymentInsuranceJob Loss

/ What is this form?

Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) is paid from unemployment insurance contributions to people who lose their job. You receive 60% of previous net income (67% if you have at least one child) for 6–24 months depending on age and contribution history.

To be eligible, you must have contributed to unemployment insurance (paid into the system through employment) for at least 12 months within the last 30 months. Applications are made at the Agentur für Arbeit — different from the Jobcenter that handles Bürgergeld.

Registering as job-seeking (arbeitssuchend) must happen at least 3 months before employment ends. Failure to do so results in a benefit reduction of 1 week per week of late registration.

/ Who needs this form?

Employees who have been made redundant
People whose fixed-term contract has ended
People who have contributed to unemployment insurance for at least 12 months in the last 30 months

/ What you need before you start

Arbeitsbescheinigung from your last employer (they are legally required to provide it)

Personal ID

Social insurance card (Sozialversicherungsausweis)

Termination letter or proof of contract end

Bank account IBAN

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Register as Job-Seeking Early

Register as arbeitssuchend at the Agentur für Arbeit at least 3 months before your employment ends.

2 Register as Unemployed

On the first day of unemployment, register as arbeitslos in person or online at arbeitsagentur.de.

3 Submit Application

Submit the ALG I application along with your Arbeitsbescheinigung (employment certificate from your employer).

4 Attend Appointment

Attend the appointment with your work coach. Sign the Eingliederungsvereinbarung (integration agreement).

5 Receive Payments

Payments begin approximately 2 weeks after registration. Keep attending appointments and reporting your job search activities.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Arbeitslosmeldung	Personal registration at the Agentur für Arbeit on the first day of unemployment.	Not registering early enough — register as arbeitssuchend at least 3 months before employment ends.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not registering as job-seeking early enough — each week of late registration reduces benefits by 1 week.

Quitting voluntarily without a valid reason — this triggers a 12-week suspension of benefits (Sperrzeit).

Not obtaining the Arbeitsbescheinigung from your employer before leaving.

/ Frequently asked questions

How long do I receive ALG I?

6–12 months for most people. Up to 18 months if aged 50–54 with 30+ months of contributions, and up to 24 months for those over 58 with 48+ months of contributions.