Obligation to Unemployment Insurance
In Germany, apprentices are required to be members of the statutory Unemployment Insurance. This compulsory insurance ensures that apprentices can receive financial support in the form of Unemployment Benefit I in the event of unemployment after completing their vocational training (Ausbildung). The contributions to Unemployment Insurance are paid by both the apprentice and the training company.
Contribution Rate and Distribution of Contributions
The contribution rate to Unemployment Insurance is uniformly 2.6% of the gross income. This contribution is equally shared by the training company and the apprentice. Thus, the portion that the apprentice has to pay amounts to 1.3% of their gross income. The employer directly transfers the total contributions to the Federal Employment Agency.
Calculation of Unemployment Insurance Contributions
The following example calculation shows the deductions for Unemployment Insurance on a monthly gross compensation of €1,000:
- Total contribution: 2.6% of €1,000 = €26
- Portion to be paid by the apprentice: 1.3% of €1,000 = €13
- Portion to be paid by the training company: 1.3% of €1,000 = €13
After deducting the portion for Unemployment Insurance, the apprentice remains with a net compensation of €987 in this example (excluding other deductions).
Claims from Unemployment Insurance
By paying contributions to Unemployment Insurance, apprentices acquire claims to:
- Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I): After successfully completing vocational training (Ausbildung) and in the case of proven unemployment, there is a claim to Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I), provided the apprentice has been employed under compulsory insurance for at least twelve months in the last two years.
- Career Counseling and Placement: The Federal Employment Agency offers apprentices and graduates support in job searching as well as career counseling and placement services.
- Continuing Education and Qualification Programs: In the event of unemployment, apprentices can participate in subsidized continuing education and qualification programs to improve their chances in the job market.
Unemployment Benefit I: Requirements and Calculation
To be eligible for Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I), the apprentice must be registered as unemployed after completing vocational training (Ausbildung) and be available to the labor market. The amount of Unemployment Benefit usually amounts to 60% of the previous net salary. If the apprentice has children, the rate increases to 67%.
Unemployment Benefit II (Hartz IV)
If the claim to Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I) expires or does not exist, the apprentice can apply for Unemployment Benefit II (Hartz IV) after vocational training (Ausbildung) under certain conditions. This serves to secure the livelihood and is not tied to previous contributions. The amount of the benefit depends on the individual needs of the applicant.
Special Regulations for Unemployment During Vocational Training (Ausbildung)
If an apprentice becomes unemployed during their vocational training (Ausbildung), for example due to the insolvency of the training company, they may be entitled to support from the Federal Employment Agency. In such cases, an attempt is usually made to continue employing the apprentice in another company. Alternatively, cross-company training can be organized to ensure the completion of the vocational training (Ausbildung).
Consulting Services of the Federal Employment Agency
The Federal Employment Agency offers apprentices extensive consulting and support services during and after vocational training (Ausbildung). These include:
- Career orientation counseling
- Placement in suitable job positions
- Support for continuing education measures
Apprentices can contact the Employment Agency even before completing their training (Ausbildung) to get information about possible career prospects and support services.
Important Notes on Unemployment Insurance
The contributions to Unemployment Insurance are an important component of social security during vocational training (Ausbildung). They enable apprentices to acquire claims to Unemployment Benefits and offer support in job searching. Apprentices should regularly check their pay slips to ensure that the contributions have been correctly calculated and transferred. If they have questions about Unemployment Insurance or the amount of contributions, they can contact their training company or the Federal Employment Agency.