💼 Wegweiser Unemployed people

15 topic pages for unemployed people in Germany and for those who advise them. Each page first explains the topic briefly and clearly – and below that in detail, with deadlines, legal bases and figures.

How this page works. At the top you can search all topics by keyword. Each topic page begins with an In brief section in plain language. Below it you will find the most important deadlines, typical mistakes and an expandable specialist section, “In depth”, for advisory work with legal bases and figures.

As of September 2026 – legal position since 1 July 2026 (Thirteenth Act Amending the Second Book of the Social Code and Other Laws, BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 107 of 22 April 2026): “Bürgergeld” has officially been called “Grundsicherungsgeld” (basic income support) since then. Where a figure could not be verified beyond doubt from official sources (e.g. individual euro amounts or practice values), this is expressly noted on the page in question rather than guessed. The information does not replace legal advice.

Frequently searched

📝 Applying for Grundsicherungsgeld (Bürgergeld) ⚠️ Sanctions and breaches of duty 💰 Assets and protected assets 🏠 Housing and heating costs ⚖️ Objection to a Jobcenter notice 💼 Unemployment benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I) ➕ Additional earnings alongside Grundsicherungsgeld 📞 Advice and points of contact

All topic areas

🧭Overview and basicsGetting started: your rights and obligations at a glance.1 topic 📝Application and benefitsApplying for Grundsicherungsgeld, unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I).2 topics 🤝Jobcenter obligationsCooperation plan, duty to cooperate, sanctions.2 topics 💶Money in detailHousing costs, assets, additional earnings, child supplement.4 topics 🩺HealthHealth insurance during unemployment.1 topic 🎓Work and qualificationFurther training, retraining, work opportunities.2 topics ⚖️Legal protection and debtObjection, lawsuit, debt and insolvency.2 topics 📞Advice and points of contactWho helps with which concern.1 topic

🧭 Overview and basics

Getting started: your rights and obligations at a glance.

🧭Rights and obligations at a glanceWhat unemployment means legally in Germany: which benefits exist, what is expected of you and where your rights end.

📝 Application and benefits

Applying for Grundsicherungsgeld, unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I).

📝Applying for Grundsicherungsgeld (Bürgergeld)Since 1 July 2026, Bürgergeld has officially been called “Grundsicherungsgeld”. Here is how to apply correctly and preserve backdating. 💼Unemployment benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I)Unemployment benefit I is an insurance benefit: amount and duration depend on your contribution period, not on need.

🤝 Jobcenter obligations

Cooperation plan, duty to cooperate, sanctions.

🤝Cooperation plan (formerly integration agreement)Since 2023 the agreement with the Jobcenter has been called the “Kooperationsplan” (cooperation plan), no longer “Eingliederungsvereinbarung” (integration agreement) – and it is not an administrative act. ⚠️Sanctions and breaches of dutySince 1 July 2026 a uniform reduction rate of 30% applies instead of the former tiered model – in case of refusal to work, the standard need can be withdrawn in full.

💶 Money in detail

Housing costs, assets, additional earnings, child supplement.

🏠Housing and heating costsIn the first 12 months (grace period, Karenzzeit) the Jobcenter covers your actual rent only up to 1.5 times the reasonableness limit – after that the local reasonableness limit applies. 💰Assets and protected assetsSince 1 July 2026 an asset allowance graded by age applies, instead of the former uniform grace period for assets. ➕Additional earnings alongside GrundsicherungsgeldIf you earn extra alongside Grundsicherungsgeld, you may keep part of it – graded by the level of income. 👨‍👩‍👧Child supplement and family benefitsFamilies with their own income just above the basic income threshold can receive the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) and the Education Package instead of, or in addition to, Grundsicherungsgeld.

🩺 Health

Health insurance during unemployment.

🩺Health insurance during unemploymentWhether you receive unemployment benefit I or Grundsicherungsgeld: in both cases you generally remain compulsorily insured – the benefit provider pays the contributions.

🎓 Work and qualification

Further training, retraining, work opportunities.

🎓Further training and retrainingEducation voucher, retraining and the further-training allowance are meant to improve the prospects of lasting employment. 🛠️One-euro jobs (work opportunities)Work opportunities (Arbeitsgelegenheiten) are meant to maintain employability, are limited in time and come with an additional-expenses allowance.

⚖️ Legal protection and debt

Objection, lawsuit, debt and insolvency.

⚖️Objection to a Jobcenter noticeYou can lodge an objection to any Jobcenter notice within one month – for sanction and revocation notices, however, this does not automatically have suspensive effect. 📉Debt and personal insolvencyUnemployment and debt are often linked: debt counselling (Schuldnerberatung) is a mandatory municipal service, and discharge of residual debt has been possible after just 3 years since 2020.

📞 Advice and points of contact

Who helps with which concern.

📞Advice and points of contactWho is responsible for what – and where do you get independent support if you are getting nowhere with the Jobcenter or employment agency?

For reference

📕Keyword indexAll terms from A to Z, with links to the matching topic pages. 📜Sources and methodWhere the information comes from and what is expressly uncertain. 🏠Other target groupsTo the overview of all Wegweiser portals.

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.