In view of the current situation, local Jobcenter branches (jointly run institutions), Agentur für Arbeit offices and Familienkasse departments are focusing on the payment of cash benefits, such as unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I and Arbeitslosengeld II), short-time working allowance, child benefits, child allowance and all other benefits.
In order to assure these payments, contain the pandemic and ensure everyone’s health and safety, our buildings will be closed to the public from tomorrow (18 March 2020).
An emergency point of contact will be opened at our local offices. We will provide more information in local newspapers and notices.
Important information for all customers:
- You do NOT have to cancel any appointments by phone or email. This will not result in any financial disadvantages, legal consequences or sanctions.
- Set deadlines will be suspended for the time being.
- Customers will be notified in good time if these regulations change.
- The payment of cash benefits is assured.
Additional local hotlines:
Jobcenter and Agentur für Arbeit branches are also setting up their own hotlines, as our central hotlines are currently receiving too many incoming calls. We will provide more information about this as soon as possible via the media, on www.arbeitsagentur.de and in notices.
Applications for unemployment benefits:
You can make an online application for Arbeitslosengeld I:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/antrag-arbeitslosengeld
New applications for Arbeitslosengeld II can be made here:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/antrag-arbeitslosengeld2
You can make an informal application for Arbeitslosengeld II at any time over the phone or in a letter addressed to your local Jobcenter. Furthermore, you currently have the option of completing your application and posting it in the letterbox at your local Jobcenter without a personal meeting.
If you already receive Arbeitslosengeld II and want to re-apply for unemployment benefits, you can do this online at jobcenter.digital Once you have registered, a PIN will be sent in the post. This portal can also be used to report any changes.
If you need some help with your online application, tutorials and leaflets can be found here:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/eservices
Employees can find more information on short-time working allowance here:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/finanzielle-hilfen/kurzarbeitergeld-arbeitnehmer
Employers can find more information on short-time working arrangements here:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/kurzarbeitergeld
You can also find the latest information on Twitter.