German Short-Time Work Calculator 2026
How much short-time work allowance (Kurzarbeitergeld) will you get? This calculator follows the Federal Employment Agency’s method exactly and matches its 2026 table to the cent.
| Benefit rate on target pay | €1,433.05 |
|---|---|
| Benefit rate on actual pay | €815.95 |
| Kurzarbeitergeld | €617.10 |
| Net from actual pay (flat-rate) | €1,359.92 |
- Per Sections 105 and 106 SGB III: target and actual pay rounded to multiples of 20, flat-rate net with 20% social insurance, wage tax and solidarity surcharge, no church tax. Maximum duration in 2026: 24 months.
How Kurzarbeitergeld is calculated
The flat-rate net of your target pay, without short time, is compared with that of your actual pay. Both are rounded to the nearest multiple of 20. You receive 60% of the difference, or 67% with at least one child. With €3,500 target and €1,750 actual pay in tax class I, that is €617.10 a month.
The flat-rate net
The agency does not use your real net pay but a flat-rate one: gross minus a 20% social insurance flat rate, minus wage tax and solidarity surcharge for your tax class, without church tax. Church membership and your health insurer therefore make no difference.
Duration in 2026
Kurzarbeitergeld normally runs for up to 12 months. For 2026 the government extended the maximum to 24 months by ordinance, until 31 December 2026 at the latest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kurzarbeitergeld taxed?
It is tax-free but subject to the progression clause, which can lead to a back payment the following year, and it can make a tax return necessary.
Who applies for it?
Your employer notifies the employment agency and pays the allowance with your salary. You do not need to apply yourself.
Does it work for tax classes V and VI?
Yes. The calculator uses the official wage-tax algorithm for all six classes, as the agency does.
Sources: Sections 95 to 106 and 153 SGB III, Federal Employment Agency Kug table 2026, Fourth Short-Time Work Duration Ordinance.