Can You Take Time Off When Unemployed and Receiving Benefits from the Arbeitsamt?
If you’re newly unemployed and relying on Arbeitslosengeld I (unemployment benefits) in Germany, you might wonder: “Can I take a holiday? What about visiting family abroad or even moving within Germany for a few days?” These are important questions, especially if you’re coming from a different work culture or facing your first Christmas without a job after years of employment.
Why Are the Rules So Strict?
The rules around taking time off while receiving benefits may feel strict, but they are actually fair and transparent. The core idea is simple: your “job” right now is to look for work and be available to the local job market. The Arbeitsamt (Agentur für Arbeit) acts almost like a temporary employer, expecting you to:
Be reachable for job interviews, offers, or trainings
Attend mandatory appointments or workshops
Respond promptly to any communication
If you are not fulfilling this duty—by being away without permission or unavailable for the local job market—your benefits can be reduced or suspended accordingly.
Interested in how you can use your time on benefits to invest in your future? Check out 11 Ways Career Coaching Can Help You Land Your Next Job
Absence Rules: It’s Not Just About Holidays Abroad
It’s a common misconception that these rules only apply to trips outside Germany. In reality, any time you are away from your registered address—whether it’s a holiday abroad or a visit to another city within Germany—you need permission. The logic is the same: you must be available for job opportunities in your local area.
You are entitled to up to 21 calendar days per year of approved absence (“Ortsabwesenheit”). These days can be used for holidays, family visits, or other personal reasons, but each absence must be approved in advance.
How to Request Time Off: The Right Way
Plan, But Don’t Book Yet:
Choose your preferred dates, but avoid booking tickets until you have official approval.Submit a Formal Request:
Contact your advisor at the Agentur für Arbeit (usually via phone, email, or the online portal).
Clearly state your intended dates and the reason for your absence.
Remember: requests for long absences or those far in advance are less likely to be approved.
Wait for Approval:
Do not leave your registered address before you have written confirmation.
If your advisor approves, you’ll receive an official notice—keep this for your records.
Want to know more about maximizing your support from the AVGS voucher? Read 3 Things the AVGS Voucher Can Be Used For—What Will You Choose?.
What If You Leave Without Permission?
Leaving without permission—whether for a holiday, a family emergency, or even a short trip—has real consequences:
Loss of Benefits:
You lose your unemployment benefits for every day you are away without approval. In some cases, you may be required to repay benefits already received.Possible Further Penalties:
Repeated or serious breaches can lead to longer suspensions or more severe administrative consequences.No Retroactive Approval:
You cannot ask for permission after the fact. Approval must always be granted before you leave.
What If You Booked a Trip Before Losing Your Job?
This is a common and very human situation—perhaps you planned to visit family, take a long-awaited vacation, or attend an important event, only to lose your job unexpectedly. Here’s how to handle it:
Be Honest and Proactive:
As soon as you register as unemployed, inform your advisor in writing about your pre-booked trip(s). Explain that these plans were made before your employment ended, and that your former employer had already approved your time off.Provide Documentation:
Attach booking confirmations, emails from your previous employer, or any evidence that the trip was planned in advance. This shows good faith and transparency.Your Advisor Is Human:
Advisors at the Arbeitsamt understand that life happens. If you are open and communicative, most will do their best to accommodate you—especially for trips that were already booked and paid for. Written communication is key: it creates a clear record and avoids misunderstandings.Most Cases Are Approved:
While there are no guarantees, in practice, most pre-booked trips are approved when explained honestly and documented clearly. Just remember: get the approval in writing before you travel.
Final Thoughts: Treat the Arbeitsamt Like an Employer
If you remember one thing, let it be this: while you’re receiving benefits, the Arbeitsamt is your temporary “employer.” Your main responsibility is to be available for the job market and follow the agreed rules. This approach protects both your benefits and your peace of mind.
Navigating these rules can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the German system or facing a sudden career change. If you need support, guidance, or just a sounding board for your next steps, I’m here to help—check out my services, or explore my self-guided QuestionLab journals.
