Am I allowed to work while receiving unemployment benefits?
February 16, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Schröter
Dear lawyer specializing in social security law,
My name is Artur Rothammer and I am currently receiving unemployment benefits. I am facing the challenge that I would like to work in addition to receiving unemployment benefits in order to improve my financial situation. However, I am unsure if this is allowed and if it would have any impact on my eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Currently, I am receiving unemployment benefits in the amount of X euros per month and have the opportunity to take on a part-time job to supplement my income. However, I am unsure if this is legally permitted and how engaging in additional work could affect my eligibility for unemployment benefits.
My concern is that taking on a part-time job could result in me losing my eligibility for unemployment benefits or lead to deductions from my benefits. Therefore, I would like to know from you if it is possible to work while receiving unemployment benefits and what the implications would be for my eligibility.
What are the legal regulations in this case and what options do I have to expand my financial resources without jeopardizing my eligibility for unemployment benefits? I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with information on this matter so that I can better assess my situation.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Artur Rothammer
Dear Mr. Rothammer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of working in addition to receiving unemployment benefits. I understand your concern about the potential impact on your eligibility for unemployment benefits and would be happy to explain the legal regulations and options in this situation.
In principle, it is possible to work in addition to receiving unemployment benefits. However, there are certain regulations that you should be aware of. If you wish to take on a part-time job, you must inform the Federal Employment Agency. Generally, you are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week without it affecting your unemployment benefits. If you earn less than 165 euros per month from the additional employment, this income will not be deducted from your unemployment benefits.
If you earn more than 165 euros per month, a portion of your income will be deducted from your unemployment benefits. Only a portion of your income, not the entire amount, will be taken into account. Typically, the amount exceeding 165 euros will be deducted at 80% from your unemployment benefits. This means that you can still receive a portion of your unemployment benefits despite having additional employment.
It is important that you inform the Federal Employment Agency of any changes in your employment status and regularly provide proof of your income. Otherwise, you could jeopardize your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
Overall, the opportunity to work in addition to receiving unemployment benefits provides a chance to increase your income and improve your financial situation. By adhering to the legal regulations and maintaining regular communication with the Federal Employment Agency, you should be able to maintain your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Friedhelm Schröter
