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Security in Transition.

Calculate your financial safety net during unemployment. Quick, easy, and non-binding.

Your Information

Average gross of the last 12 months.

Increases the rate to 67%

Unemployment Benefit I (Monthly)
1.416,16 €
Standard Benefit Rate (60%)
Performance Wage
Gross (capped)3.500,00 €
- Tax & Soli439,74 €
- 20% Social Security700,00 €
= Net Wage2.360,26 €
Information

Unemployment Benefit I is 60% of your standardized net wage.

Maximum Gross: 7.550 € (Ceiling 2025). Anything above has no increasing effect.

Important Notice Regarding CalculationThese results are based on official BMF formulas (2026). Since individual tax characteristics (e.g. allowances) may vary, all information is provided without guarantee. This calculator does not replace professional tax advice.More in Legal Notice.

How is Unemployment Benefit I (ALG 1) calculated?

Unemployment Benefit I (ALG 1) is intended to provide financial security during the transition between jobs. The amount depends on your previous income, tax class, and whether you have children.

Standard Benefit Rate

Without children, you receive 60% of your standardized net wage as unemployment benefit.

60%

of standardized net wage

Elevated Benefit Rate

With at least one child, the benefit rate increases to 67% of your standardized net wage.

67%

of standardized net wage

How is ALG 1 calculated step by step?

  1. Your average gross salary of the last 12 months is determined (capped at the contribution assessment ceiling).
  2. Standardized deductions are applied to calculate net pay:
    • Income tax (based on tax class)
    • Solidarity surcharge
    • 20% flat-rate social security deduction
  3. From this net amount, you receive 60% (or 67% with children) as monthly unemployment benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Benefit (ALG 1)

How much unemployment benefit (ALG 1) will I receive?
ALG 1 amounts to 60% of your standardised net wage (67% if you have children). It is based on your average earnings in the 12 months before unemployment.
How long do I receive ALG 1?
The duration depends on your contribution period: 12 months of contributions = 6 months of ALG 1. Maximum 24 months (from age 58 with 48 months of contributions).
What are the requirements for ALG 1?
You must: (1) be registered as unemployed, (2) have been in mandatory insurance employment for at least 12 months in the past 30 months, (3) personally register with the Employment Agency.
Is ALG 1 taxable?
ALG 1 itself is tax-free, but subject to the progression clause. It increases the tax rate applied to your other income in the same calendar year.
What happens if I refuse a job offer?
If you refuse a suitable job offer without good reason, the Employment Agency imposes a blocking period. This can last up to 12 weeks and reduces your total benefit duration.

More Helpful Calculators & Guides

Sources & References (2026)

Federal Ministry of Finance
Official tax tables and tax calculation guidelines.
German Pension Insurance
Current pension values and contribution assessment ceilings.
Federal Ministry of Health
Social security contribution rates and thresholds.
Bundesagentur für Arbeit

All calculations are based on the official legal provisions for 2026. Despite careful research, no guarantee is given for correctness. This calculator does not replace professional tax advice.

Unemployment Benefit Calculator Germany 2026 | ALG 1 Amount | Brutto Netto Rechner