German Unemployment Benefit Calculator 2026
Calculate your unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I, ALG I) based on your last gross salary. The calculator automatically determines the assessment pay (Bemessungsentgelt), the benefit pay (Leistungsentgelt) and your monthly ALG I amount under the rules applicable in 2026.
Your details
Your average gross salary over the last 12 months
Frequently asked questions about unemployment benefit
Everything you need to know about ALG I
To receive unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I), you must meet the following requirements:
- - You must be unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed
- - You must have registered as unemployed in person with the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit)
- - You must fulfil the qualifying period (Anwartschaftszeit): at least 12 months of employment subject to social insurance within the 30 months before registering as unemployed
- - You must be available to the labour market and provide evidence of your own job-search efforts
The duration of your entitlement depends on how long you were previously employed and on your age:
- - 12 months of employment: 6 months of ALG I
- - 16 months of employment: 8 months of ALG I
- - 20 months of employment: 10 months of ALG I
- - 24 months of employment: 12 months of ALG I
- - From age 50 with 30 months of employment: 15 months of ALG I
- - From age 55 with 36 months of employment: 18 months of ALG I
- - From age 58 with 48 months of employment: 24 months of ALG I
A blocking period (Sperrzeit) is a period during which no unemployment benefit is paid. The most common reasons:
- - Resigning yourself: Usually a 12-week blocking period if you ended the employment relationship yourself
- - Termination agreement (Aufhebungsvertrag): Also up to 12 weeks, unless there was an important reason (e.g. an imminent dismissal for operational reasons)
- - Rejecting a job offer: Up to 3 weeks for a first violation
- - Missed registration: 1-week blocking period for registering as a jobseeker late
A blocking period also shortens the total duration of your entitlement by at least one quarter.
The calculation is done in three steps:
- 1. Assessment pay (Bemessungsentgelt): Your average daily gross salary over the last 12 months (capped at the contribution assessment ceiling of the unemployment insurance).
- 2. Benefit pay (Leistungsentgelt): The assessment pay minus flat-rate deductions (income tax, solidarity surcharge, a 21% social insurance flat rate, and church tax where applicable).
- 3. ALG I: 60% of the benefit pay (general benefit rate) or 67% (increased benefit rate for people with children).
Yes, a side income is generally possible. You may earn up to 165 euros per month without it being offset. Anything above that is deducted from your unemployment benefit. Important rules:
- - The side job must be less than 15 hours per week
- - From 15 hours per week you are no longer considered unemployed
- - The 165-euro allowance applies per month
- - The side job must be reported to the Employment Agency
About unemployment benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I, ALG I)
Unemployment benefit I is an insurance benefit provided by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). It provides financial security for employees who have lost their job and paid into the unemployment insurance during their employment.
Benefit rates:
- - Without children: 60% of the benefit pay (general benefit rate)
- - With children: 67% of the benefit pay (increased benefit rate)
Important notes:
- - ALG I is tax-free but subject to the progression clause (Progressionsvorbehalt)
- - You should register as unemployed no later than 3 months before your employment ends
- - Resigning yourself or signing a termination agreement can trigger a blocking period of up to 12 weeks
- - Once ALG I expires, you can apply for ALG II (citizens' benefit, Bürgergeld)
Note: This calculator provides a general estimate. For binding information, contact the Employment Agency or a tax advisor.