Training allowance (Weiterbildungsgeld) (150 euros training allowance): The training allowance (Weiterbildungsgeld) is a monthly supplement of 150 euros for unemployed people in funded training that leads to a vocational qualification with a training period of at least two years (section 87a (2) SGB III).
Who gets it
Unemployed people taking part in training funded under section 81 SGB III that leads to a qualification, typically retraining. People receiving basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld) can also get it alongside an existing employment relationship if the training is funded under section 81 or section 82 (section 87a (3) SGB III).
According to the Federal Employment Agency, this includes, for example, retraining, partial qualifications that lead on to a vocational qualification and preparatory courses for the external examination. There is no training allowance for shorter courses ending with a certificate.
Training allowance and training bonus
Both are set out in section 87a SGB III but are different: the training allowance is paid monthly and is aimed at unemployed people (and, for people receiving basic income support, also while in work), while the bonuses are paid once for passed examinations. An overview of all the money available during the course is in the article Money during training.
In practice: an example
You are unemployed and, with an education voucher, start a two-year retraining as an office management clerk (Kauffrau für Büromanagement). In addition to unemployment benefit during vocational training, you receive a training allowance of 150 euros every month. If you pass the intermediate examination, you also receive a training bonus of 1,000 euros, and 1,500 euros after the final examination (section 87a SGB III).
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
Do I get the training allowance for every course?
No. Only for funded training that leads to a qualification in an occupation with a training period of at least two years (section 87a SGB III).
Related terms
Sources
Legal texts and official bodies this article relies on. Links last checked on .
- Section 87a SGB III: Training bonus and training allowanceFederal Ministry of Justice, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Education voucher for vocational trainingFederal 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.