Funding Overview Bürgergeld (SGB II)
All funding options for Bürgergeld recipients at a glance — Einstiegsgeld, investment-cost subsidy, and AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein — German Activation and Mediation Voucher, covers founder coaching costs).
Preparing Your Jobcenter Meeting
Fill-in PDF to prepare your meeting with the case manager — all the key points for your Einstiegsgeld application.
Table of Contents
Einstiegsgeld is the most important founder funding for recipients of Bürgergeld (German basic welfare since 2023). Hamburg, with its Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg — a joint institution of the city and the Agentur für Arbeit (German Federal Employment Agency) with more than a dozen locations — offers solid conditions for your business start.
1. What is Einstiegsgeld?
Einstiegsgeld under § 16b SGB II (German Social Code Book II, governing basic welfare) is a Jobcenter (German welfare/employment office) subsidy for Bürgergeld recipients who want to become self-employed. The big advantage: your Bürgergeld continues in parallel!
| Feature | Einstiegsgeld |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Amount | Basic amount up to 50% of the standard rate (€281.50/month), with supplementary amounts up to 100% (€563/month) |
| Bürgergeld | Keeps running in parallel! |
| Additionally available | Investment-cost subsidy of up to €5,000 |
2. Eligibility — who qualifies in Hamburg?
- Bürgergeld recipient: You currently receive Bürgergeld (SGB II)
- Viable business idea: Your project must be economically sustainable
- Full-time: The self-employment should contribute to your livelihood
- Discretionary decision: The Jobcenter decides at its discretion
3. How much money will you receive?
Example calculation Hamburg
Bürgergeld: €563/month (standard rate 2026)
+ Einstiegsgeld: up to €281.50/month (with supplementary amounts up to €563)
+ Investment-cost subsidy: up to €5,000 one-time
= Double safety net during your business start
4. Where to apply in Hamburg
Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg
Headquarters: Raboisen 28, 20095 Hamburg
ServiceCenter: 040 2485-1444
Locations: More than 12 across all districts (Altona, Harburg, Bergedorf, Wandsbek, Barmbek, Mitte, Nord and many more)
Important: Jobcenter team.arbeit.hamburg is a joint institution of the City of Hamburg and the Agentur für Arbeit. The location responsible for you depends on your place of residence.
5. Investment-cost subsidy (§ 16c SGB II)
In addition to Einstiegsgeld, under § 16c SGB II the Jobcenter can grant subsidies or loans for necessary assets:
- Machinery and tools
- Office equipment and IT
- Vehicles (where operationally required)
- Inventory / stock
6. AVGS coaching for Bürgergeld recipients
As a Grundsicherungsgeld (früher Bürgergeld) recipient, you can receive an AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein — German Activation and Mediation Voucher, covers founder coaching costs); the Jobcenter decides at its discretion. With it, founder coaching including the business plan is 100% free of charge for you.
The optimal combination
1. Apply for an AVGS at the Jobcenter
2. Free coaching including business plan with us
3. Apply for Einstiegsgeld + investment-cost subsidy
4. Launch your business with a double safety net