Calculate your Arbeitslosengeld I based on your previous gross salary, family status, and contribution history.
How is Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) calculated?
ALG I is based on your previous net pay (Leistungsentgelt). If you have children, you receive 67% of your previous net pay; without children, you receive 60%. The calculation uses your average gross salary from the last 12 months, deducts standard social insurance contributions and income tax to determine the reference net income.
How long can I receive ALG I?
The duration depends on your age and how long you paid into unemployment insurance. With 12 months of contributions, you receive 6 months of ALG I. The maximum is 24 months for those aged 58+ with at least 48 months of contributions. The standard range for most workers under 50 is 6 to 12 months.
What happens after ALG I runs out?
If you are still unemployed when ALG I expires, you may be eligible for Buergergeld (formerly Hartz IV / ALG II). Buergergeld is a means-tested basic income support that covers living expenses and housing costs. Unlike ALG I, it is not based on your previous salary but on standardized need rates.
Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on 2025 German tax rules and should not be considered professional tax advice. Consult a Steuerberater for your specific situation.
How much you get, how long it lasts, and what affects your ALG I payments
How much is ALG I as a percentage of your previous pay?
ALG I pays 60% of your previous net salary if you have no children, or 67% if you have children. For example, if your net monthly pay was €2,500, you would get €1,500 per month without children or €1,675 with children. The calculation is based on your average gross salary over the last 12 months, minus standard deductions.
How long can you receive ALG I?
The duration depends on how long you paid into unemployment insurance and your age. With 12 months of contributions you get 6 months of ALG I. With 24 months you get 12 months. Workers aged 58 or older with 48 months of contributions can receive up to 24 months. Most workers under 50 get between 6 and 12 months.
What conditions must you meet to receive ALG I?
You must have paid unemployment insurance contributions for at least 12 months in the last 30 months. You must register as unemployed with the Agentur für Arbeit (employment agency) and be available for work. You also need to actively look for a new job and attend any training or meetings the agency arranges.
Can you earn extra money while on ALG I?
Yes, you can work up to 15 hours per week and earn up to €165 per month without your ALG I being reduced. If you earn more than €165, the extra amount is deducted from your benefit. Working more than 15 hours a week means you are no longer considered unemployed and lose your entitlement.
What is the difference between ALG I and Bürgergeld?
ALG I is based on your previous salary and is paid from unemployment insurance. Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV) is a basic needs benefit paid when ALG I runs out or you do not qualify. A single person receives about €563 per month in Bürgergeld plus housing costs. ALG I is usually much higher because it is linked to your old wages.
Is ALG I taxable?
ALG I itself is tax-free, but it is subject to the Progressionsvorbehalt (progression proviso). This means it pushes up the tax rate on any other income you earn in the same year. For example, if you receive €10,000 in ALG I and earn €15,000 from a part-time job, the tax rate on that €15,000 is calculated as if you earned €25,000.
How do you apply for ALG I?
You must report to your local Agentur für Arbeit at least three months before your employment ends, or within three days of learning about the end of your job. You can register online at arbeitsagentur.de. After registering, you complete an application form and attend a personal meeting where you discuss your skills and job search plans.
Bundesfinanzministerium-Aligned: Based on 2025 Bundesfinanzministerium rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified Steuerberater (tax adviser).
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current German tax rates and thresholds for the 2025 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms
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