What is the difference between unemployment benefits I and II?
June 29, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Emma Weinert
Dear lawyer,
My name is Günther Hemminger and I have a question regarding social law. I am currently unemployed and have heard about various benefits that I may be entitled to. I am a bit confused about the differences between Unemployment Benefits I and II and would like to learn more about them.
Currently, I am receiving Unemployment Benefits I, as I have been working in the past few years and have contributed to the unemployment insurance. However, I have heard that there is also Unemployment Benefits II, known as Hartz IV. I am unsure which of the two benefits is suitable for me in my current situation and whether I am eligible for Unemployment Benefits II at all.
I am worried that I may not be taking advantage of all the benefits I am entitled to and therefore may suffer financial losses. It would be helpful if you could explain to me the differences between Unemployment Benefits I and II and the requirements that need to be met in order to receive each of them. Is there a possibility to receive both benefits simultaneously if one alone is not sufficient?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Best regards,
Günther Hemminger
Dear Mr. Hemminger,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding unemployment benefits I and II in the field of social law. It is understandable that you are unsure about what benefits you are entitled to and how to best utilize them in your current situation. Therefore, I will explain the differences between the two benefits and outline the requirements that must be met to receive unemployment benefits I and II.
Unemployment benefits I are typically paid by the Federal Employment Agency to employees who have paid into the unemployment insurance for at least 12 months in the last 24 months and have become unemployed. The amount of unemployment benefits is based on the previous salary and is usually 60-67% of the average net income of the last 12 months before unemployment.
Unemployment benefits II, also known as Hartz IV, on the other hand, is a basic security benefit paid by the Jobcenter. This benefit serves as subsistence support for individuals who cannot support themselves from their own resources. The amount of unemployment benefits II is based on the applicant's needs and includes not only standard benefits but also assistance for housing and heating.
To receive unemployment benefits I, you must meet the above-mentioned requirements. For unemployment benefits II, on the other hand, you must be in need, meaning your income and assets must not exceed certain limits. Additionally, you must actively seek work and take all reasonable measures to find employment.
It is generally not possible to receive both unemployment benefits I and II at the same time. However, if you are eligible for unemployment benefits I and it is not sufficient, you can apply for supplementary unemployment benefits II. In this case, unemployment benefits I will be offset and supplemented by unemployment benefits II.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance with the application process, I am happy to help.
Sincerely,
Emma Weinert
Attorney specializing in social law
