German Unemployment Benefits Calculator
How Germany's Unemployment Benefits (ALG I) Work in 2025
Germany provides financial support to workers who become unemployed through a benefit called Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I). This is a temporary income replacement based on your previous salary, duration of employment, and family situation.
Benefit Calculation Formula
- Gross annual salary ÷ 365 = daily wage
- Deduct ~20% for taxes and contributions → net daily wage
- Multiply by 60% (no children) or 67% (with children)
- Multiply daily benefit × 30 = estimated monthly benefit
Eligibility Criteria
- You must have worked and contributed to German social insurance for at least 12 months in the last 30.
- You must be officially registered as unemployed with the Agentur für Arbeit.
- You must be actively seeking work and available for employment.
How Long Can You Receive ALG I?
- 12 months worked → up to 6 months of benefits
- 24 months → up to 12 months
- 30 months + age 50–54 → 15 months
- 36 months + age 55–57 → 18 months
- 48 months + age 58+ → 24 months
Do Children Affect the Benefit?
Yes — if you receive Kindergeld (child benefit), your unemployment payment is increased from 60% to 67% of your previous net salary.
Benefit Payment Limits
There is a maximum cap on ALG I based on contribution ceilings. In most cases, the monthly payout is limited to approximately:
- ~€2,640/month (no children)
- ~€2,948/month (with children)
Important Notes
- This tool estimates ALG I only, not ALG II (Bürgergeld)
- Exact amounts can vary depending on tax class and insurance deductions
- Use this as a planning tool — for formal claims, consult the Agentur für Arbeit
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