The Jobcenter in Germany explained
In short: The Jobcenter is the office for basic income support for jobseekers under Book II of the German Social Code (SGB II). It grants Grundsicherungsgeld, which was called Bürgergeld until 30 June 2026, and supports your job search, for example with advice, job suggestions and funding. Whether you are entitled to benefits depends on the conditions of SGB II and is checked case by case.
As of: October 2026
Step by step
- 1
Find the responsible Jobcenter
The Jobcenter where you live is responsible for you. You can find the address with the office search (Dienststellensuche) of the Federal Employment Agency. Many Jobcenters also offer applications and messages online at jobcenter.digital.
- 2
Apply early
There are no benefits for periods before the month in which you apply (§ 37 SGB II). So apply early. As a rule, you can hand in missing documents later.
- 3
Have your documents ready
Typical documents are your passport or ID with your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), tenancy agreement, bank statements and proof of income and assets. The Jobcenter's letter tells you what is missing in your case.
- 4
Take appointments and letters seriously
The Jobcenter invites you to meetings and sends letters with deadlines. If you miss appointments or do not meet your obligations without good reason, you must expect your benefit to be reduced. If you cannot make an appointment, let them know in advance.
- 5
Discuss work and funding
The meeting covers your goals, your qualification and your German skills. Ask specifically about language courses, recognition of your qualification and further training. Whether funding is granted is decided case by case by the responsible office.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Jobcenter and the Employment Agency?
The Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) is responsible for unemployment benefit under SGB III, that is for people who previously worked in jobs with social insurance. The Jobcenter is responsible for basic income support under SGB II. Both help with the job search. Some people deal with both offices, for example when unemployment benefit is not enough to live on.
Who can receive Grundsicherungsgeld?
Under § 7 SGB II, in principle people aged 15 up to the statutory age limit who are able to work, are in need of support and habitually reside in Germany, as well as family members in their household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft). There are exceptions for foreign nationals, for example during the first three months of their stay or when they are entitled under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act. The Jobcenter checks case by case whether you are entitled.
Wasn't this called Bürgergeld?
Yes. Since 1 July 2026 the benefit is called Grundsicherungsgeld, together with new rules, for example on appointments and cooperation. Older letters and forms may still say Bürgergeld.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
Get in touch in advance if possible and give the reason, for example an illness with a medical certificate. If you miss appointments without good reason, you must expect your benefit to be reduced. The exact consequences are stated in the letter and on arbeitsagentur.de.
Does the Jobcenter help with the recognition of my qualification?
The Jobcenter does not decide on recognition; depending on the profession, a separate authority does. The Jobcenter can advise you and may cover costs of the procedure in some cases. Ask before you apply. You can find the responsible authority on the portal Anerkennung in Deutschland.
Official sources
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Grundsicherungsgeld löst Bürgergeld ab (German)
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit: Dienststellensuche (German)
- jobcenter.digital (German)
- gesetze-im-internet.de: § 7 SGB II (German)
- gesetze-im-internet.de: § 37 SGB II (German)
- Anerkennung in Deutschland (multilingual)
General information, not legal advice. The laws and the Jobcenter's decisions are binding. For questions about your own case, the Jobcenter itself and migration advice services can help.
As of: October 2026