Register as unemployed first, then send in your application
Unemployment benefit, called Arbeitslosengeld or ALG I, is an insurance payment for people who have paid into German unemployment insurance. It comes from the Agentur für Arbeit, not the Jobcenter, and it takes two steps: registering as unemployed and then applying. Registering as a jobseeker alone does not start a claim. Insurance periods from other countries may count, so ask staff to assess your case if you have worked elsewhere.
How it works
Claim unemployment benefit after losing your job.
If you lose your job, you may be entitled to unemployment benefit, usually if you have worked and paid contributions for long enough. Apply as soon as possible, because a late claim can cost you days of payment. You usually need your ID, your employment contract or dismissal letter, a certificate of employment from your employer and your bank details; work in other EU countries can count towards your entitlement. In many countries you must also register as a jobseeker. The benefit office decides whether you qualify and how much you receive.
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At a glance
Each branch sets how it takes registrations and applications
Unemployment benefit is claimed at the Agentur für Arbeit, and registering as a jobseeker alone does not complete a claim. Big cities such as Berlin and Bremen have more than one branch, so check which one is responsible for you.
Guides
Related services
For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga
Most offices in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Łódź, and Opole
Most offices in Aalst, Antwerp, and Arlon
Most offices in Amsterdam, Almelo, and Enschede
Most offices in Akranes, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir
Where to next
Check which branch covers your address, how to register as unemployed and whether you can apply online or need to book a visit.
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