Apply for transfer short-time work benefits
Benefits provided by the Federal Employment Agency to compensate for lost wages during temporary reduced working hours at a company.
How to proceed
- 1
Report reduced hours for an employee
Written notification to the Employment Agency before the start of short-time work.
- 2
Calculate monthly short-time work benefits
The employer pays in advance and is reimbursed by the agency.
- 3
End short-time work and finalize payroll
Final settlement upon termination of short-time work.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Notice not filed before the start of short-time work
- • Short-time work benefits were calculated incorrectly
Common reasons for rejection
- • No significant loss of working hours (minimum threshold: 10% of the workforce)
- • Operational causes are not inevitable
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Employers for businesses that have reduced working hours due to economic reasons or unavoidable circumstances.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 82.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Notice not filed before the start of short-time work
- •Short-time work benefits were calculated incorrectly
Common reasons for rejection
- •No significant loss of working hours (minimum threshold: 10% of the workforce)
- •Operational causes are not inevitable
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.