Employment agency

Those who receive benefits under SGB II are not only supported in securing their livelihood, but are also primarily encouraged to reduce or overcome their need for assistance on their own responsibility. The Jobcenter provides benefits in accordance with SGB II and is responsible for job placement. There are numerous services for employers and providers to ensure that those eligible for benefits receive support and are integrated into work in a targeted manner.

Introductory allowance according to § 16 b SGB II

The Kleve District Job Center supports workers in taking up employment subject to social insurance contributions or self-employment by providing a start-up allowance.

The goal of this support is to help individuals overcome their need for assistance and integrate potential workers into the labor market on a long-term basis.

The entry allowance is provided for a maximum of 24 months, provided that the employment continues for that period. The duration and amount of the support are calculated on an individual basis. The application for the entry allowance must be submitted before starting work, for example, via this online application form. There is no automatic entitlement to this support.

Promotion of a job opportunity according to § 16 d SGB II

A work opportunity (AGH) is a job placement program offered by a qualified provider, designed to enhance participants’ employability. The activities carried out as part of this program must also be in the public interest and non-competitive. The goal of these measures is to reintegrate long-term unemployed benefit recipients into the primary labor market through meaningful activities and to promote social participation. The District of Kleve supports participation in work opportunities by covering the program provider’s costs.

You have the option to upload a photo or scan of your ID as proof of identity instead of signing the application, thereby allowing you to submit the application digitally.

Integration of the long-term unemployed in accordance with § 16 e SGB II

Companies that hire individuals who have been unemployed for more than two years receive a subsidy for a period of two years. In the first year, employers receive a subsidy equal to 75 percent of the regular wage, and in the second year, 50 percent. In addition, throughout the entire funding period, formerly long-term unemployed individuals can participate in training and continuing education programs in accordance with general regulations and receive on-the-job coaching.

It is possible to upload a photo or scan of your ID as proof of identity instead of signing the application, thereby allowing you to submit the application digitally.

Promotion of a training allowance in accordance with § 16 f SGB II

The Kleve District Job Center supports the hiring of an apprentice by providing a subsidy toward the apprentice’s stipend. For full-time apprenticeships, the training subsidy can amount to up to 300.00 euros per month on a case-by-case basis.

You have the option to upload a photo or scan of your ID as proof of identity instead of signing the application, allowing you to submit the application digitally.

Promotion of temporary trial employment in accordance with § 16 f SGB II

Long-term unemployed individuals who are distant from the labor market, or young, employable benefit recipients under the age of 25 with significant barriers to employment, are given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through regular employment and to demonstrate their practical skills to employers. The three-month trial employment program aims to strengthen employability and facilitate the transition to unsubsidized employment.

In individual cases, the Job Center may grant a subsidy of up to 2,000.00 euros for three months. There is no legal entitlement to this subsidy.

Funding is provided for temporary trial employment for employment relationships,

• which are agreed for at least three months,
• as part of an activity subject to social insurance contributions,
• with a weekly working time of at least 15 hours,
• who are paid in accordance with the Minimum Wage Act or collective agreements,
• which are not seasonal employment,
• for employers who have a specific proven need for personnel and
• which offer the possibility of subsequent employment.

Promotion is excluded for companies,

• where the customer has been employed in the last four years,
• who are active as personnel service providers,
• where it can be assumed that the employer caused the employment relationship to be terminated in order to receive the grant,
• in which the customer has a financial interest,
• to whose managing director the customer is related.

All requirements must be clearly stated in the employment contract to be concluded.

You can apply for approval of temporary trial employment, for example, by submitting an online application, which the Kleve District automatically forwards to the local job center. The application must be submitted before the employment contract is signed.

The local Jobcenter will decide on your application by issuing a written notice. This notice will specify the monthly lump-sum amount.

Participation in the labor market according to § 16 i SGB II

The new "Participation in the labor market" funding scheme offers a wage subsidy for employers who employ long-term unemployed people entitled to benefits who are subject to social security contributions. The amount of funding is staggered according to the duration of the employment relationship. In the first two years, it amounts to 100 percent. In each subsequent year, the subsidy is reduced by 10 percent. Subsidized employment is accompanied by coaches.

Measures for activation and professional integration as well as promotion of continuing professional development

Both § 45 Para. 4 SGB III (measures for activation and vocational integration) and § 81 Para. 4 SGB III (promotion of further vocational training) offer the possibility of granting integration benefits in the voucher procedure. Both the measure and the provider must be certified in accordance with the Accreditation and Approval Ordinance for Employment Promotion (AZAV).

Especially for activation and placement vouchers: The district's own measure number must be stated on the vouchers of the job centers in the district of Kleve, regardless of whether a measure number from the employment agency exists at the same time.

Especially for education vouchers: The district's own measure number must be stated on the vouchers of the job centers in the district of Kleve if no BA measure number is available. If a BA measure number is available, the provider can apply for a district measure number in order to have its measure information published by the district of Kleve.

Promotion of an integration subsidy in accordance with § 88 SGB III

Employers can receive a wage subsidy to compensate for reduced performance in order to integrate employees whose placement is difficult for personal reasons. The subsidy must have been applied for before the employment contract was concluded.

Potential analysis for Ukrainian refugees

Starting June 1, 2022, Ukrainian refugees will be eligible to receive benefits from the Jobcenter.

The Jobcenter in the Kleve district is available to provide guidance on language, employment, and vocational training in Germany, and to assist with entering the workforce or enrolling in a vocational training program.