AuthoritiesGermany

The job centre and the employment agency

Das Jobcenter und die Agentur für Arbeit

The employment agency and job centre help with job search, training and benefits. Registration, cooperation and deadlines matter.

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Overview

In Germany the support of job seekers is split between two related bodies: the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), which deals with people who paid unemployment insurance contributions and pays unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld I), and the job centre (Jobcenter), which provides citizen's income (Bürgergeld) to those whose income is not enough or who do not qualify for the first. Both provide advice, guidance, training and help with job search.

This guide explains the difference between them, how to register, what to bring, your obligations, how to benefit from courses and what rights protect you. This is general information that may change, so check the official sources.

1

The difference between the two and who goes where

The employment agency pays the first unemployment benefit to those who worked and paid enough contributions during the last two years and then lost their job, and calculates the amount from the previous salary.

  • The job centre pays Bürgergeld to those able to work who need financial help to cover living costs, along with support for rent and heating.
  • For refugees and new migrants who have not yet worked, the job centre is often the responsible body.
  • Applications are handled by staff specialised in advice or support, and a contact person is assigned to you.
  • The name or organisation may vary by region, so look up the branch by your postcode.
2

Registration and applying

If you are told about the loss of your job or the end of your contract, you must register as arbeitssuchend with the employment agency within three days of learning of it, to avoid a reduction in benefits, and register as arbeitslos when you actually lose the job.

  • You can do this online, by phone or in person.
  • To claim Bürgergeld you apply at the job centre for your area, and are asked for a detailed form about your income, rent and family.
  • Entitlement often starts from the month in which the application was submitted, so do not delay.
  • You may be invited to an introductory interview, and an assessment of your qualifications and language may be offered.
3

Documents and your obligations

You bring your passport or residence card, the registration certificate, the rental contract, bank statements, proof of health insurance, previous work references and your CV. You must cooperate: attend appointments, submit job applications, take up what is offered to you and report every change in your income, address or family at once.

  • A cooperation plan (Kooperationsplan) setting your goals and steps may be agreed with you.
  • Benefits may be reduced if you miss appointments without excuse, but there are protective safeguards and you may challenge the decision.
4

Courses, training and recognition of qualifications

The job centre and the employment agency provide important services: vocational German courses, vocational training and retraining, training vouchers (Bildungsgutschein) that cover the costs of approved courses, support for having your foreign qualification recognised, and coaching on CVs and applications.

  • Ask your adviser frankly what fits your career goal and do not settle for the first offer.
  • The office may give you help with travel costs to interviews and translation of certificates.
  • There is also free advice for those who want to start their own business.
5

Your rights and how to object

You have the right to a written reasoned decision, to see your file and to be treated politely and respectfully.

  • If you disagree with a decision such as a refusal or a benefit reduction, you may lodge a written objection (Widerspruch) within one month of receiving it, and can turn to the social court afterwards.
  • Trade unions and social advice services offer free or low-cost advice, and you can request Beratungshilfe for legal assistance.
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help, since claiming support is a legitimate right and nothing to be ashamed of.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Register as arbeitssuchend within three days of learning that your job is ending.

  2. 2

    Submit the application for unemployment benefit or Bürgergeld at the responsible body.

  3. 3

    Prepare the documents and answer questions about your income and family truthfully.

  4. 4

    Attend every appointment and agree a Kooperationsplan that suits you.

  5. 5

    Ask about language courses, training and the Bildungsgutschein.

  6. 6

    Report any new job or change of income or address at once.

Documents checklist

  • Passport or residence card.
  • Registration certificate and rental contract.
  • Bank statements and proof of health insurance.
  • Work references, CV and educational certificates.
  • The termination letter, if there is one.

Key vocabulary

  • dieArbeitsagentur
    employment agency
  • dasJobcenter
    job centre
  • dasArbeitslosengeld
    unemployment benefit
  • dasBürgergeld
    citizen's income
  • derBildungsgutschein
    training voucher
  • derKooperationsplan
    cooperation plan
  • derSachbearbeiter
    caseworker
  • dieBewerbung
    job application
  • arbeitslos
    unemployed
  • dieWeiterbildung
    further training
  • dieMitwirkungspflicht
    duty to cooperate

Useful phrases

  • Ich möchte mich arbeitslos melden.I would like to register as unemployed.
  • Ich möchte Bürgergeld beantragen.I would like to apply for Bürgergeld.
  • Gibt es einen Deutschkurs für den Beruf?Is there a German course for work?
  • Kann ich einen Bildungsgutschein bekommen?Can I get a training voucher?
  • Ich habe eine neue Arbeit gefunden.I have found new work.
  • Ich möchte Widerspruch gegen den Bescheid einlegen.I would like to object to the decision.

At the job centre

  • Beraterin

    Guten Tag. Was kann ich für Sie tun?Good day. What can I do for you?

  • Sie

    Guten Tag. Ich habe meine Arbeit verloren und möchte Leistungen beantragen.Good day. I have lost my job and would like to apply for benefits.

  • Beraterin

    Haben Sie Ihre Kündigung und den Mietvertrag dabei?Have you brought your termination letter and the rental contract?

  • Sie

    Ja, und auch meine Kontoauszüge. Kann ich einen Deutschkurs machen?Yes, and my bank statements too. Can I take a German course?

  • Beraterin

    Ja, wir prüfen einen Berufssprachkurs. Sie bekommen einen Termin.Yes, we will look into a vocational language course. You will get an appointment.

  • Sie

    Vielen Dank. Ich melde mich sofort, wenn ich eine neue Stelle habe.Thank you very much. I will report at once when I have a new position.

Common mistakes

  • Registering late after losing a job, so that benefits are reduced.
  • Not reporting part-time work or extra income, which is an offence and may lead to repayment claims.
  • Ignoring letters and appointments, after which help may be reduced without further warning.
  • Accepting any course offer without checking it fits your career goal.

Cultural tips

  • Open every official letter the same day and reply within the deadline, even with just a question.
  • Bring a companion or interpreter if your language is limited, which you are entitled to.
  • Use the employment agency's online portal to manage your file and upload documents.
  • Keep evidence of every job search, such as copies of your applications and companies' replies.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

Within how many days do you register as arbeitssuchend after learning your job ends?