Only travel with the Jobcentre’s consent

9. July 2026

Anyone receiving basic income support must consult the Jobcentre if they wish to travel or will be temporarily unavailable for other reasons. Basic income support used to be called ‘Bürgergeld’. For this reason, the old term may still appear on some websites, forms or older notification letters.

Submit a request before travelling

Anyone who will be temporarily unavailable to the Jobcentre – for example, due to a trip – must notify the Jobcentre in advance and obtain approval. Officially, this is referred to as ‘unavailability’. The Jobcentre will check whether any important appointments, counselling sessions, courses or job interviews are scheduled during this period.
The request should be made in good time — usually no later than five working days before the planned absence. This is stated on the Federal Employment Agency’s form. No authorisation is required if the person is only absent at weekends or on public holidays. However, they must be able to access any communications from the Jobcentre by the next working day.

A maximum of three weeks per year

Anyone receiving basic income support may be out of contact with the Jobcentre for up to three weeks in total per year. During this time, benefits will continue to be paid. Health insurance contributions will also continue to be covered. If the absence lasts longer, there is generally no entitlement to benefits for that period. The three weeks also include Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

No money without approval

Anyone who travels without the Jobcentre’s consent and is unreachable may lose their entitlement to benefits. Any money already paid may be reclaimed. Furthermore, there may be issues with health and long-term care insurance, which is arranged through the Jobcentre.