When are you entitled to insolvency benefits?

If your employer has problems paying your wages and no longer pays you all or part of your wages, you may be entitled to insolvency benefits.

Conditions for insolvency benefits:

• An insolvency event has occurred (e.g. insolvency proceedings have been opened)
• You have filed an application for insolvency benefits with the employment agency within two months of the insolvency event
• You are an employee and work in Germany
• You work full-time or part-time, have a midi job, mini job or are a short-term employee, intern, student or pensioner.

Important! If the insolvency was rejected by the local court for “lack of assets", you are entitled to insolvency benefits.  

You are not entitled to insolvency benefits if you do not meet the conditions. You are also not entitled to insolvency benefits if your employment relationship is suspended. This is the case, for example, if you receive sickness or injury benefits, are on maternity leave or on parental leave.

You are not entitled to insolvency benefits if you do not submit an application or have missed the application deadline.