Can I get unemployment benefits in Germany if I quit my job?

Unemployment benefits in Germany come in two forms: There's coverage of your health insurance and then there's unemployment money (Bürgergeld) which is intended to prevent people who lose their jobs from completely lacking an income while they find new work.

To be eligible for either of these benefits, the most basic requirements are that you must be a legal resident of Germany, registered as unemployed, actively looking for a job, and between the ages of 15 and 65.  

Then there are a few other requirements to qualify for either health insurance coverage or Bürgergeld. For a more detailed explanation of who is eligible for unemployment in Germany, and how it works, see this explainer.

One common misconception, however, is that unemployment payments is reserved for those who are laid off from work and not those who leave their job for other reasons.

Can I apply for unemployment benefits if I quit?

You can apply for unemployment benefits, even if you are the one who chose to leave your job. But in most cases, you wont receive benefits for the first three months after the date you officially ended the job.

When you quit your job (as opposed to being let-go by your employer) the German Employment Agency enforces a three-month blocking period, called Sperrzeit, during which you are not entitled to collect Bürgergeld. You may, however, have your health insurance payments covered from the second month after quitting.  

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED - What you should know if you want to quit your job in Germany

You should make sure to register as unemployed with the employment agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) as soon as possible to make sure that your benefits kick in on-time.

This is also true for those who have been terminated - applications take time to process so applying immediately is pertinent.

You should register by the first day after your job has ended at the latest. If you've given you employer notice, you can also apply in advance - up to three months before you will become unemployed at the earliest.

Are there any exceptions? 

There are are few cases where the employment agency can waive the holding period and grant you unemployment benefits immediately after you quit your job.

If one of the following cases applies, you should be immediately eligible:

1. You can prove that you had a firm commitment to a new position that fell through after your resignation.
2. You were legally justified for resignation without notice, for example, because your employer did not pay you.
3. You quit to move in with someone else so you can take care of your children together.
4. You quit due to psychological stress or 'burnout'. This would need to be documented e.g. with a medical certificate.

READ ALSO: How the German government wants to toughen up rules on unemployment benefits

How much can I get?

Generally recipients of unemployment benefits can expect to receive 60 percent of their previous gross income, or 67 percent if they or their spouse have children. This standard rate still applies if you quit, after the blocking period has passed.

It is important to note that the money you receive is taxable. Germany also ignores gross income above €90,600 when deciding benefits. 

Bürgergeld recipients, on the other hand receive an amount based on another calculation. They can expect up to €563 per month along with the payment of other living expenses and housing. Local authorities set rates for “reasonable” accommodation costs based on the region’s cost of living. 

To get an idea of how much unemployment money you might receive you can use this calculator by the employment agency.