How is unemployment benefit calculated and how high is it on average?
The amount of unemployment benefit I (ALG I) is based on the average monthly net salary of the last 12 months before unemployment.
The exact amount of unemployment benefit I is calculated individually. Factors like tax class, child allowances, and average monthly net work income of the last 12 months before unemployment flow into the calculation. The Federal Employment Agency’s online calculator offers an exact calculation possibility.
For 2025, the contribution assessment ceiling in unemployment insurance is 8,050 € monthly in the old federal states and 7,100 € monthly in the new federal states. This means that with monthly gross earnings above this limit, unemployment benefit I is calculated based on these amounts at maximum.
The duration of unemployment benefit receipt depends on various factors, such as age and duration of previous employment. Usually, the duration is between 6 and 24 months. For people over 50 with long-term insurance, the duration can also be longer. The Federal Employment Agency’s online calculator offers an exact calculation possibility.