How much money do you get from the job centre for retraining?

The decision to pursue retraining or further education can be the first step toward a successful career future. However, many people wonder: How is such further education financed? What support does the Employment Agency offer? And how much is the so-called Continuing Education Bonus? This article answers all these questions and explains what financial support you can expect when starting retraining or further education. Additionally, you’ll learn how to find the right continuing education or retraining program through the Employment Agency’s KURSNET platform.

1. How Much Money Does the Employment Agency Provide for Retraining?

If you start a retraining program through the Employment Agency, the question naturally arises: How is your living secured during this period? There are several forms of financial support, typically dependent on your individual circumstances:

• Unemployment Benefits I (ALG I): If you’re eligible for Unemployment Benefits I, you’ll continue to receive monthly payments during retraining, which amount to around 60% (or 67% if you have children) of your previous net income. These payments can continue for the entire duration of your retraining.

• Unemployment Benefits II (ALG II, Hartz IV): If you are not eligible for ALG I, you may qualify for Unemployment Benefits II (Hartz IV). This benefit is less dependent on income and is calculated based on your current living situation.

• Transitional Allowance: If you’re receiving vocational rehabilitation, the Employment Agency may also pay what’s known as “transitional allowance.” This allowance is generally slightly higher than Unemployment Benefits II and covers a larger portion of living expenses.

• Retraining Costs: In addition to covering your living expenses, the Employment Agency typically covers the direct costs of retraining, including course fees, learning materials, and examination fees. With the Employment Agency’s education voucher, you can be assured that retraining costs are covered for the program’s duration.

2. How Much Does the Employment Agency Pay for Further Education?

If you’re looking to pursue further education rather than full retraining, the Employment Agency also offers financial support for numerous programs. The level of funding depends on various factors.

• Education Voucher: One of the main funding methods is the education voucher. With this voucher, the Employment Agency covers costs for training provided by certified educational institutions. The education voucher can cover course fees, learning materials, and examination fees. Travel costs may also be covered if the training is not in your vicinity.

• Course Fees: Exact course fees depend on the type of training. The Employment Agency evaluates in advance whether the training is beneficial and improves your job market prospects. If so, costs are generally fully covered.

• Subsidies for Additional Costs: In addition to course fees, the Employment Agency can cover other costs associated with training, such as travel expenses, childcare costs, and even meal allowances.

• Finding Courses on KURSNET: You can search for suitable further education and retraining programs on the Employment Agency’s KURSNET platform. Here, you can use your education voucher to find training programs that match your career needs. The KURSNET portal at arbeitsagentur.de is the central resource for retraining and further education in Germany.

3. How Much Is the Continuing Education Bonus?

A valuable financial incentive during retraining is the Continuing Education Bonus, introduced to motivate participants and reward their dedication.

• Bonus Amount: The Continuing Education Bonus totals up to 2,500 euros. It consists of two bonuses paid during retraining:

  • Intermediate Examination: After successfully completing the intermediate exam, you receive a bonus of 1,000 euros.

  • Final Examination: After passing the final exam, there’s another bonus of 1,500 euros, which is generally paid upon presenting your completion certificate.

The Continuing Education Bonus is tax-free and paid in addition to other benefits, such as unemployment benefits. It’s important to note that the bonus typically only applies to specific retraining programs sponsored by the Employment Agency or funded by the education voucher.

4. Requirements for Employment Agency Funding

Not all retraining or further education programs are automatically funded by the Employment Agency. Specific requirements must be met to be eligible for financial support:

• Unemployment or Imminent Unemployment: In most cases, you must either be unemployed or facing the threat of unemployment. If you are in a job that doesn’t fully utilize your skills or working in a profession threatened by structural changes, continuing education or retraining can also be eligible for support.

• Positive Job Market Forecast: The Employment Agency assesses in advance whether the retraining or further education will improve your chances in the job market. This means that your chosen training must be relevant and provide realistic employment prospects upon successful completion.

• Consultation Meeting: Before starting the program, an in-depth consultation with your employment advisor is essential. In this meeting, they’ll determine whether the program is suitable and what financial assistance you qualify for.

5. How to Find Suitable Courses Through the Employment Agency’s KURSNET

One of the best ways to find suitable retraining or further education programs is through the KURSNET portal. Here, you’ll find an overview of all certified educational providers in Germany that accept education vouchers.

KURSNET offers a simple search function that allows you to look specifically for retraining or continuing education in your area. It displays course offerings and shows which costs can be covered by the education voucher.

• Kursnet Berlin: If you live in Berlin, for instance, and are looking for further education, you can use the KURSNET platform to search for programs in your city. Many regional education providers are listed there and offer programs funded by the Employment Agency.

• Employment Agency Consultation: It’s also recommended to consult with your employment advisor to ensure that your selected program is eligible for funding, especially if you plan to use the education voucher for further education.

6. How to Apply for Further Education or Retraining Through the Employment Agency

If you’re interested in retraining or further education and would like financial support from the Employment Agency, here are the steps you should follow:

• Consultation: Start by scheduling an appointment with your Employment Agency. In this meeting, they’ll assess whether retraining or further education is appropriate in your case and which programs can be funded.

• Education Voucher: If retraining or further education is approved, you’ll usually receive an education voucher. This voucher is redeemed directly with the educational provider offering the training.

• Course Selection: Ensure you choose a course with a certified educational provider. Not all providers are eligible for Employment Agency funding. The agency can assist you by providing a list of suitable educational providers.

• Cost Coverage Check: Finally, the Employment Agency will review whether course costs are fully covered. This step also determines the coverage of additional costs, such as travel or childcare expenses.

Conclusion
Retraining or further education can be the key to a successful career future, and the Employment Agency offers various financial supports to ease this path. Whether it’s unemployment benefits during retraining, full coverage of education costs, or the Continuing Education Bonus, financial assistance can help you focus entirely on your career development.

Take advantage of the KURSNET platform’s resources and thoroughly explore your options. With the right measures and support, you can steer your career in a new direction and successfully start anew.