Qualifizierungsgeld (Section 82a SGB III, Qualification allowance): Qualifizierungsgeld is a wage replacement benefit from the employment agency for employees who undergo training because of structural change in their business. The employer pays the course costs (section 82a SGB III).
How much is Qualifizierungsgeld?
60 percent of the flat-rate net pay difference, or 67 percent for employees who would receive the higher benefit rate for unemployment benefit (section 82b SGB III). According to the Federal Employment Agency, these are employees with at least one child. For the calculation, the Federal Employment Agency refers to the tables for short-time work allowance (Kurzarbeitergeld).
Qualifizierungsgeld or funding under section 82?
With funding under section 82 SGB III, the employment agency covers all or part of the course costs, in small businesses usually without a contribution from the employer. With Qualifizierungsgeld, the employer pays for the course and the employment agency replaces part of the wage. The requirement here is structural change in the business. For the same measure, the two routes are mutually exclusive (section 82a (5) SGB III).
Requirements in the business
The business has a need for qualification caused by structural change that affects at least 20 percent of employees, or at least 10 percent in businesses with fewer than 250 employees. The employer finances the training, and the need, the prospects and the use of Qualifizierungsgeld are set out in a works agreement (Betriebsvereinbarung) or a collective agreement (Tarifvertrag). In businesses with fewer than ten employees, a written declaration by the employer is sufficient (section 82a (2) SGB III).
Requirements for employees and the training
The training takes place within the existing employment relationship, which has not been terminated, and there has been no funding under section 82a in the last four years (section 82a (4) SGB III). It lasts more than 120 hours, goes beyond mere adaptation training, and the provider is approved (section 82a (1) SGB III). According to the Federal Employment Agency, the employees must consent, and the application should be submitted no later than three months before the start.
In practice: an example
A supplier with 200 employees is converting its production, and more than 10 percent of the workforce need new skills. The business records this in a works agreement, pays for a 400-hour training course and applies for Qualifizierungsgeld. The employees consent and, during course hours, receive 60 or 67 percent of the net pay difference from the employment agency.
How we help you
We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions
Who is entitled to Qualifizierungsgeld?
Employees in a business with a need for qualification caused by structural change, if the requirements of section 82a SGB III are met. It is a discretionary benefit, and the employer submits the application.
How much is Qualifizierungsgeld?
60 percent of the net pay difference, or 67 percent with the higher benefit rate (according to the Federal Employment Agency, with at least one child) (section 82b SGB III).
Can I apply for Qualifizierungsgeld myself?
No. The employer submits the application to the employment agency.
What is the difference from funding under section 82 SGB III?
Under section 82, the employment agency covers all or part of the course costs. With Qualifizierungsgeld, the employer pays for the course and the employment agency replaces part of the wage. For the same measure, the two are mutually exclusive (section 82a (5) SGB III).
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 82a SGB III: QualifizierungsgeldFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Section 82b SGB III: Amount of QualifizierungsgeldFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- QualifizierungsgeldFederal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
Note: This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Whether you receive funding is decided in each individual case by the responsible office, for example the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit), the job centre or the pension insurance. As of 08.11.2026.