Helping you take the next step

Financial support

This list is not exhaustive.

• The Hamburg job grant model

  The Hamburg model provides financial support to you and the company you work for. You can also receive funding for qualifications required to land your future job.

   Who do we provide funding to?

   The Hamburg model offers funding for the employment of

  • the long-term unemployed or
  • young people under the age of 25 who have struggled to enter the professional workforce due to serious barriers to the employment market.

  Grant duration and amount

  Companies that hire employees under the two categories listed above can receive wage subsidies for up to 12 months. The amount is governed by the working hours agreed in the employment contract. Additional contributions are available for parents and severely disabled employees.

  Up to €2000 in qualification grants can be paid for any training you require.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions related to the Hamburg model, please contact your case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• Start-up grant for jobs subject to social security contributions

  The start-up grant can be paid as a monthly subsidy in addition to your future wages/salary. In order to receive the grant, you need to be able to foreseeably end your need for financial support by starting a job that is subject to social security contributions.

   The start-up grant is not offset against your citizen´s benefit (Bürgergeld).

  Grant duration and amount

  The grant will be paid for a maximum of 12 months (or 24 months for parents and severely disabled or equivalent employees).

  The grant will not exceed 50% of your standard personal benefit. Supplementary additional amounts may be granted on an individual basis. However, the total grant amount is limited to 100% of your standard benefit.

  How can I apply for the start-up grant?

  You need to apply for the grant before you start your new job. The application can be submitted informally to the Jobcenter location responsible for your case. Please remember to state your client or BG number.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions or would like to receive advice, please contact your case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• The “Employment, Integration, Motivation and Orientation” grant (EIMO)

  This grant can be paid as a monthly subsidy in addition to your future wages/salary. In order to receive the grant, you need to be long-term unemployed and under the age of 25, and have particularly struggled to get a job.

  Grant duration and amount

  The grant is provided for a maximum of 12 months. The grant amount is based on the amount of weekly working hours agreed in the employment contract and may be up to €400 per month (over 35 hours per week). Parents can receive additional funding.

  How can I apply for the grant?

  You need to apply for the grant before you start your new job. The application can be submitted informally to the Jobcenter location responsible for your case. Please remember to state your customer or BG number.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions or would like to receive advice, please contact your case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• Internships (employer-led initiative)

  An internship can often be a good thing to have on your CV when looking for an apprenticeship or new job. When you do an internship, you work at a company for a limited amount of time so you and the company can get to know one another. We offer grants for up to 6 weeks for internships, and up to 12 weeks if certain conditions are met.

   Why do an internship?

  • An internship gives you the opportunity to get to know a business and its structures to decide whether the company is right for you.
  • It allows you to demonstrate your skills and increase the likelihood of landing an employment contract.
  • You can both refresh and enhance your skills and vocational knowledge.
  • Internships can also provide a gateway for the long-term unemployed to re-enter the workforce.

  We can help you complete an internship, including taking care of necessary and additional costs (e.g. travel expenses, childcare costs or required work equipment).

  Which requirements apply in order to obtain funding for a sponsored internship?

  • The internship needs to have been applied for and approved before it begins.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions or would like to receive advice, please contact your personal case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or

  arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• Start-up grant for the self-employed

  Do you have a business idea and want to get started with stable self-employment?

  We also offer start-up grants for the self-employed under certain circumstances.

  The start-up grant for the self-employed is a subsidy paid on a monthly basis and is not offset against your citizen´s benefit (Bürgergeld).

  Which requirements need to be fulfilled?

  • The viability of your business idea,
  • personal suitability, and
  • the necessity of funding for integration into the workforce.

  Grant duration and amount

  The granting is generally available for a maximum of 18 months.

  The grant will not exceed 50% of your standard personal benefit. Supplementary additional amounts may be granted on an individual basis. However, the total available grant amount is limited to 100% of your standard benefit.

  How can I apply for the start-up grant for the self-employed?

  You need to apply for the grant for the self-employed before you become self-employed as your main form of employment. The application can be submitted informally to the Jobcenter location responsible for your case. Please remember to state your client or BG number.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions or would like to receive advice, please contact your case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or

  arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• Participation in the labour market (Section 16i SGB II)

  We support your entry into the labour market with a personal grant and by paying your wages. We aim to help you work as permanently as possible – including after the grant period.

  How we help:

  • We prepare you for your new job.
  • We provide you with support and funding.
  • A personal coach will help with any questions or difficulties you face.
  • We’ll cover up to €3000 in training costs.
  • We’ll pay up to 100% of your wage for the first two years, followed by an annual 10% reduction after the third year.

  Who is entitled to the grant for participation in the labour market (Section 16i SGB II)?

  • You must be at least 25 years old.
  • You need to have received money from the Jobcenter for at least six years, or
  • have received money from the Jobcenter for at least five years and you are a single parent or have a recognised severe disability.
  • You haven’t worked for over 12 months during this period, or have only had temporary positions.

  How can I get advice?

  Get in touch with the employment opportunities team at the Jobcenter. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

  Phone: +49 40 42933440 (local rate)

  Email: team-arbeit-hamburg.X351@jobcenter-ge.de

  or book a personal appointment online.

  Click here for more information.

• Integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (Section 16e SGB II)

  Have you been unemployed for over two years and want to find a job you can enjoy? We’ll help you get there!

   How we help:

  • We prepare you for your new job with extra qualifications and training.
  • We provide you with support and funding for up to two years.
  • A personal coach will help with any questions or difficulties you face.
  • During the first year, the Jobcenter will cover up to 75% of your wage, and up to 50% after the second year.

  Who is entitled to the grant for integration of the long-term unemployed into the labour market (Section 16e SGB II)?

  • You must be at least 25 years old.
  • You were unemployed during the past two years and received benefits from the Jobcenter.

  How can I get advice?

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).
  • Click here for more information.

• Job opportunities

  Are you unable to realistically enter the workforce in the foreseeable future due to personal circumstances? Perhaps due to health limitations or long-term unemployment? Get hired and benefit from extra compensation.

  A job opportunity would give you the ability to improve your personal circumstances and professional opportunities. It constitutes a key step on the path to regular work.

  Which jobs are available?

  Job opportunities currently available including park maintenance, working in garages, cafés and charity shops along with assisting the elderly.

  How many hours do I need to work each week?

  You can work between 15 and 30 hours each week. Weekly working hours are determined on an individual basis.

  What do I earn for participating?

  In addition to citizen´s benefit, if you’re eligible, you’ll receive an additional expenses allowance of €1.60 (at present) for each hour worked. The additional expenses allowance is intended to cover any additional expenses incurred by participating (e.g. travel costs), and will not be offset against your benefit.

  How can I get advice?

  If you have any questions or would like to receive advice, please contact your personal case manager at the Jobcenter employment service.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

• Placement budget

  Our placement budget also means we can help you look for work.

  Which requirements need to be fulfilled?

  • You currently claim benefits and receive Unemployment Benefit II from Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg.
  • You have applied for a job or already have a new job.

  Which costs do we cover?

  We will cover the following costs, for example:

  • Application fees
  • Costs required to travel to interviews
  • Costs for commuting to your workplace
  • Moving costs if you take on a job at another place of residence

  Grant duration and amount

  The grant amount and duration are governed by the benefit you apply for.

  How can I get advice?

  Your personal case manager at the Jobcenter will be happy to provide information on the various funding options available.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

  You can now also submit applications for reimbursement online.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.

  Our placement budget also means we can help you look for work.

  Which requirements need to be fulfilled?

  • You currently claim benefits and receive citizen´s benefit from Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg.
  • You have applied for a job or already have a new job.

  Which costs do we cover?

  We will cover the following costs, for example:

  • Application fees
  • Costs required to travel to interviews
  • Costs for commuting to your workplace
  • Moving costs if you take on a job at another place of residence

  Grant duration and amount

  The grant amount and duration are governed by the benefit you apply for.

  How can I get advice?

  Your personal case manager at the Jobcenter will be happy to provide information on the various funding options available.

  You can use any of the following options to get in touch with us:

  • You can write a message to your personal case manager directly via the job search,
  • book an appointment by calling the hotline for the location responsible for you, or
  • arrange an appointment through the ServiceCenter (free of charge).

  You can now also submit applications for reimbursement online.

  This grant constitutes a discretionary payment, meaning you are not legally entitled to receive it.