When are you considered unemployed?
If you do not have a job after completing your studies, you are considered unemployed if your studies are:
Completed: The education is finished and you have no plans for further studies
Permanently discontinued: You have dropped out and have no concrete plans to resume or start new studies
If your studies are neither completed nor discontinued, you are still considered a student and are not eligible for unemployment benefits.
The qualification period can be extended
You have a 12-month qualification period to meet the work requirement. If you have studied full-time, the qualification period can be extended by the same number of months as you studied—up to a maximum of five years.
To be eligible for an extension of the qualification period, one of the following must apply:
You completed your studies after turning 25, or
You were under 25 when you completed your studies, but had worked full-time for at least five months before starting your studies
All months with at least 60 hours of work count toward the work requirement. This includes summer jobs and part-time jobs. To receive income-based benefits, you must have been a member for at least 12 months*.
No benefits during a study break
You cannot receive unemployment benefits during a study break, as the studies are not considered completed. It does not matter whether the break is long or short. Therefore, you cannot receive benefits during summer break.
Part-time studies do not extend the qualification period
If you studied part-time, the qualification period cannot be extended.
Studying while unemployed
While unemployed, you may in some cases be allowed to study full-time for up to 15 days or part-time (up to 50%) for up to 20 weeks. It is important to apply for approval before starting your studies. If the studies are considered continued education, you may not be eligible for any benefits at all.