How long is the unemployment benefit paid?

The duration of the unemployment benefit depends on the period during which the unemployed person worked in a relationship subject to compulsory insurance. This period shall be measured within a period of three years, but not more than one year before the receipt of unemployment benefit.

Here is an overview of the entitlement period:

After statutory insurance of at least ... months	Months with claim to ALG I
12	6
16	8th
20	10
24	12

For unemployed persons after the age of 50, an extended period of payment applies. In the case of 30 months of activity subject to compulsory insurance, they are entitled to 15 months. From 36 months of work, they can receive unemployment benefit for 18 months after they have reached the age of 55. From 58 years of age and 48 months of contribution payment, you are entitled to 24 months unemployment benefit.

After the end of the entitlement, it is possible to receive unemployment benefit II, also known as Hartz IV.

Here you will find further information about the ALG II and our Hartz IV calculator, with which you can calculate your possible entitlement to unemployment benefit II.