What to do after losing your job
Notification deadlines, registering as job-seeking and the support available while you look for work.
Intermediate6 min readLast updated: 2026-07-14Available in EN · DE
This guide is being written and reviewed. The outline below shows what it will cover.
On this page
- Report as job-seeking immediately — the deadline is strict
- Difference between registering as job-seeking and unemployed
- Documents the employment agency asks for
- How your entitlement is calculated
- Health insurance while unemployed
- Free counselling and retraining options
Rules, fees and processing times differ between federal states and municipalities and can change. Always confirm details with the responsible office before you act.