Benefit termination for the disabled: what are the surviving rights for those affected?
Transitioning from Sickness Benefit to Unemployment Benefit in Germany
For those who find themselves transitioning from sickness benefit to unemployment benefit, understanding the requirements and processes is crucial. In Germany, the main unemployment benefit is known as ALG 1.
ALG 1 Requirements
To be eligible for ALG 1, you must have been previously employed and contributed to the unemployment insurance through your job for at least 12 months within the last 30 months before becoming unemployed. You must also be currently unemployed or reduced in hours and actively seeking work. Additionally, you must be registered as unemployed and capable of working at least 3 hours daily at the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit). At the end of the sickness benefit period, you have to notify the Agentur für Arbeit immediately and register as unemployed to claim ALG 1.
The duration for which ALG 1 can be paid depends on the length of prior contributions and your age. If these criteria are met, ALG 1 can provide financial support during your job search.
Citizens’ Income (Bürgergeld)
For those who are not eligible for ALG 1, such as those who do not fulfill the minimum contribution period or were not working before the sickness, the Citizens’ Income (Bürgergeld) is an option. This means-tested public assistance is aimed at people with insufficient income or resources to cover their basic living costs, serving as a safety net after other benefits like ALG 1 have ended or for those not entitled to those benefits at all.
Key Points
The key point is that to move from sickness benefit to ALG 1, you need to fulfill the employment and insurance contribution prerequisites and register as unemployed. If you are unable to work at least 15 hours per week due to your health condition, you may still be eligible for ALG 1, depending on the nature of your illness and the determination of the Medical Service of the Employment Agency.
The health questionnaire is a part of the application process for ALG 1, and the involvement of the Medical Service of the Employment Agency is necessary to determine an individual's capacity for light activities. The continuity regulation applies in certain situations, such as when you cannot work at least 15 hours per week, bridging the phase until the responsibility between the Employment Agency and the statutory pension insurance is clarified.
For official, precise guidance on the application process and procedural paperwork, contacting the local Agentur für Arbeit is recommended. The Saarland Chamber of Labor also provides valuable information on these matters. If you have any questions or need further clarification, the expertise of Lisa Leinenbach from the Chamber of Labor can be a valuable resource.
[2] Source: Foundation Warentest
- Transitions from sickness benefit to unemployment benefit in Germany necessitate awareness of the eligibility criteria for ALG 1, which demands previous employment and insurance contributions for 12 months within the last 30 months before becoming unemployed, as well as current unemployment or reduced working hours and registration with the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).
- For those who do not fulfill the minimum contribution period or were not employed prior to the sickness, the Citizens’ Income (Bürgergeld) could serve as an alternative, offering financial support to individuals with insufficient income to cover basic living costs.
- Moving from sickness benefit to ALG 1 requires addressing health concerns, as those unable to work at least 15 hours per week due to medical conditions may still be eligible, depending on their illness and the decision made by the Medical Service of the Employment Agency.
