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A quick estimate of your benefit →
Get your net in the calculator — 60 percent of it is the ALG I ballpark.
How Much and How Long
60 percent of net pay (67 with a child). 12 contribution months within the last 30 = 6 months of benefits; longer contributions extend it (up to 24 from age 58).
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Agentur für Arbeit (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
Public bodyUnemployment benefit I, start-up grants and job placement all run through the Agentur für Arbeit where you live. Find your branch under «Dienststelle vor Ort».
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I estimated my amount in advance: the agency calculator uses the last 12 months net. Reality matched within a few euros — budget planning can start immediately.
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Lea recommends:
Paid-out vacation days shift the payment start — as does severance with shortened notice. Show the agency any termination agreement BEFORE signing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is a side job allowed on ALG I? ▾
Up to 15 hours a week; earnings above the 165 € monthly allowance are deducted. From 15 hours the unemployed status is lost entirely.
I worked in two EU countries — do periods add up? ▾
Yes, under EU coordination rules EU periods count (form U1 from the previous country). Third countries do not — only German and EU contributions.
Under 12 contribution months — nothing at all? ▾
No ALG I entitlement arises (exceptions for short fixed-term patterns). Then check Bürgergeld — which affects foreigners residence status differently than insured ALG I.
Is it calculated from gross or net? ▾
From a standardised net: the 12-month average gross minus typified deductions, of which 60/67 percent is paid. Your own net from our calculator gives the ballpark.