Table of contents
1. What is Einstiegsgeld?
Einstiegsgeld (start-up allowance) under § 16b SGB II is funding provided by the Jobcenter to recipients of Bürgergeld (citizen's income) who want to become self-employed as their main occupation. It is paid in addition to Bürgergeld and is designed to ease the transition into self-employment.
Discretionary benefit
Einstiegsgeld — like Gründungszuschuss — is a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung). Your case manager at the Jobcenter Heidelberg decides whether to approve it.
2. Requirements for Einstiegsgeld
- Bürgergeld recipient: You currently receive Bürgergeld (formerly ALG II)
- Main occupation: The self-employment must be your main activity (15+ hours/week)
- Viability: The business plan must be economically viable
- Suitability: You are personally and professionally suitable
- Need for support: You can foreseeably end your dependency on benefits
3. Amount and duration of funding
| Component | Duration | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Einstiegsgeld | 6–24 months | 50% of standard rate + possible supplement |
| Bürgergeld (in parallel) | Continues | Full entitlement remains |
| Investment subsidy | One-off | Up to €5,000 |
Advantage over Gründungszuschuss
Bürgergeld continues alongside the start-up — you have double security during the start-up phase. In addition, an investment subsidy of up to €5,000 is possible.
4. Applying in Heidelberg
You apply for Einstiegsgeld at the Jobcenter Heidelberg:
- Address: Speyerer Straße 6, 69115 Heidelberg
- Phone (Markt & Integration): 06221 9159-111
- Phone (benefits): 06221 9159-222
- Email: jobcenter-heidelberg@jobcenter-ge.de
Important: Rhein-Neckar-Kreis
The Jobcenter Rhein-Neckar-Kreis (Czernyring 22/12) is responsible for the surrounding district, not for the city of Heidelberg itself. Make sure you file the application with the right office.
5. Investment subsidy
In addition to Einstiegsgeld, the Jobcenter Heidelberg can grant an investment subsidy of up to €5,000 (§ 16c SGB II). This is intended for necessary purchases:
- Machines and equipment
- Office and business equipment
- Vehicles (partial)
- Inventory (for trade)
6. Einstiegsgeld vs. Gründungszuschuss
| Criterion | Einstiegsgeld | Gründungszuschuss |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Bürgergeld | ALG I (unemployment benefit I) |
| Duration | Up to 24 months | Up to 15 months |
| Amount | ~€300/month | ALG I + €300 |
| Bürgergeld/ALG | Continues | Ends on start-up |
| Investment subsidy | Up to €5,000 | No |
| Responsible office | Jobcenter Heidelberg | Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) |
7. How we support you in Heidelberg
Business Start EU (BAFA No. 186617) has had its office in Heidelberg since 2019. We guide Bürgergeld recipients through the application for Einstiegsgeld and AVGS (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein).
Our process
- Free initial consultation: Reviewing your funding options
- AVGS coaching: 100% free of charge via our AZAV-certified partner
- Business plan: For the Jobcenter and any bank meeting
- Einstiegsgeld application: Guidance and document review
- Investment subsidy: Application if needed
Combine AVGS + Einstiegsgeld
As a Bürgergeld recipient, you are entitled to AVGS coaching. This means you can receive the business plan and start-up preparation completely free of charge — and then apply for Einstiegsgeld.