Unemployment benefits

Processing your orders via Smart is also possible to a limited extent if you are receiving unemployment benefit at the same time. However, the rules regarding permitted additional income must be taken into account. If you regularly work more than 15 hours a week, you can no longer receive unemployment benefits. The Federal Employment Agency has summarized important information in a leaflet.

At Smart, you can earn EUR 165 from a mini-job without having your ALG1 reduced, or EUR 100 if you receive Bürgergeld. 

If you receive unemployment benefits at the same time, your budget must always be paid out accordingly, i.e. you are not allowed to 'bunker' your budget and bill higher, but only have a mini-job paid out to you.

You should inform us as soon as you receive ALG I or Bürgergeld. We can then arrange a consultation if necessary.

If you have been employed for 12 months in the last 5 years, you can apply for unemployment benefits (ALG I).
Unemployment registration is not automatic after your contract ends. You should register in person at the Arbeitsagentur 3 months before the end of your employment. See the website of the Arbeitsagentur for more information.

After you end your employment with Smart and register as unemployed, we will send the certificate of employment to the employment agency.

Please always actively inform us that you need the certificate of employment (Arbeitsbescheinigung).