Free tool
EU unemployment benefit estimator
Pick your country, enter your monthly gross, your total contribution months and the dismissal reason — we apply the country-specific formula (Arbeitslosengeld I 60/67% in DE, ARE 57% × SJR in FR, paro 70%/50% in ES, NASpI 75%+ in IT, etc.) and show the monthly amount, duration and total. Conservative-by-design — never overpromises, always links the official source.
⚠ Do NOT resign based on this estimate
This is a calculation, not a guarantee. Get a binding written estimate from your country's unemployment agency (Arbeitsagentur, France Travail, SEPE, INPS, UWV, ONEM, AMS, urząd pracy) BEFORE you submit your resignation. Voluntary resignation triggers waiting periods or full disqualification in most countries — a single mistake can leave you with €0 of income for 3-12 months.
⚠ This is an estimate
The amount is computed using the country's standard formula and 2026 reference figures. Your real entitlement depends on the exact reference period the agency uses, your tax class, household composition, and whether the dismissal classification is challenged. Always confirm with the unemployment agency BEFORE making employment decisions.
How we calculated it
- ›Approx. net ≈ €2,730/month (single, no kids)
- ›60% of net Bemessungsentgelt → €1,638/month
- ›Duration: 12 months (age 35, 24 contribution months)
How this country's system works
- Arbeitslosengeld I (ALG I) requires at least 12 months of contributions in the last 30 months.
- Benefit equals 60% of net Bemessungsentgelt (67% with at least one child) — this is roughly 40% of gross for a single without kids, and ~45% with a child.
- Maximum duration: 12 months below age 50, scaling up to 24 months at age 58+ with sufficient prior contributions.
- A 12-week Sperrzeit (waiting period) applies if you resigned without a 'wichtiger Grund' (compelling reason) or signed an Aufhebungsvertrag without proper compensation.
Important notes
- The exact 'Bemessungsentgelt' is calculated by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit on the last 12 months of gross salary, capped at the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (€7,550/month in 2026 West / €7,450 East).
⚠ Read this before acting
- Submit your Antrag (application) IMMEDIATELY at the Agentur für Arbeit — late application reduces entitlement day-for-day.
Legal disclaimer
WorkDaten provides this calculator for informational and educational purposes only. Calculations use publicly available 2026 unemployment benefit formulas and reference figures. They do NOT constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Actual entitlement, amount and duration are determined by your country's unemployment agency on the basis of your full file. Voluntary resignation, mutual agreement and dismissal-cause classifications carry significant disqualification risk that this tool cannot assess. We accept no liability for financial decisions made based on this tool. Always consult an employment lawyer or your country's unemployment agency before resigning or signing any termination agreement.
How unemployment benefits differ across Europe
There is no single 'European' unemployment system. Germany pays 60–67% of net Bemessungsentgelt for up to 12–24 months. France ARE pays 57% of SJR for 18–27 months but with a 25% duration cut when national unemployment is below 9%. Spain pays 70% then 50% for 4–24 months capped at IPREM × 175%. Italy NASpI pays 75%+ for up to 24 months but with 3% monthly decay from month 4. Netherlands pays 75% then 70% for 3–24 months. Belgium pays 65% then 60% then degressive with no formal cap. Poland pays a flat amount in PLN regardless of prior salary.
We model 8 EU jurisdictions with each one's specific formula and surface the official source so you can verify. The dismissal reason matters enormously — voluntary resignation triggers waiting periods or full disqualification in MOST countries.
Use this for an honest first read. Then talk to your country's unemployment agency BEFORE you resign or sign any termination — every case turns on facts the calculator cannot see.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people most often ask before relying on the page.