Short-Time Work Allowance Calculator
Calculate the short-time work allowance for reduced working hours. Target and actual earnings compared. Free online, no registration required, up-to-date for.
Details
Normal gross income
Reduced gross during short-time work
Short-Time Work Allowance per Month
€680.19
Benefit rate: 60% (without child)
Work Loss
50.0%
Net Pay Difference
€1,133.65
Total Income (Net + Allowance)
€1,813.84
Income Loss vs. Net
€453.46
of €2,267.30 normal net
Note: Short-time work allowance is 60% (67% with child) of the net pay difference. Calculation is simplified. Actual values may differ depending on individual tax situation. As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is short-time work compensation?
Short-time work compensation is 60% of the lost net pay (67% for employees with children). The employer applies for it at the Federal Employment Agency and passes it on to employees.
Who is eligible for short-time work compensation?
Employees whose working hours are temporarily reduced due to economic reasons or unavoidable events. At least 10% of employees must be affected by a loss of at least 10% of working hours.
Are 2026 standard rates reflected?
Yes — Bürgergeld, child benefit (€255/child), Wohngeld and other social benefits are all set to 2026 rates. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and German social code (SGB).
Guide
Quick Answer
The short-time work allowance calculator computes the benefit for reduced working hours as a benefit from the employment agency.
What is the Short-Time Work Allowance Calculator?
The short-time work allowance calculator computes the benefit for reduced working hours as a benefit from the employment agency.
How does the Short-Time Work Allowance Calculator work?
Enter your full-time gross salary and the reduced working hours. The calculator determines the target pay (full-time) and actual pay (short-time), computes the standardised net amounts and pays 60% (67% with children) of the difference.
Key Data and Facts
Short-time work allowance: 60% of the net pay difference (67% with children). Duration: up to 12 months normally. Social security contributions continue to be borne by the employer.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate short-time work allowance step by step: 1. Determine the target pay: the regular gross salary for full working hours. 2. Determine the actual pay: the actual gross salary during short-time work (with reduced working hours). At 50 % short-time work = 50 % of the gross. 3. Calculate the flat-rate net amounts: the calculator determines the flat-rate net for both amounts using the benefit-pay table (depending on tax class and child allowance). 4. Net pay difference: target net minus actual net. 5. Short-time work allowance: 60 % of the net pay difference (without a child) or 67 % (with a child). 6. Payout amount: actual pay (from the employer) + short-time work allowance (from the employment agency). Example: an employee in tax class I, no child, gross 3,800 EUR at full working hours. Short-time work: 50 % loss of working hours. Target pay (gross): 3,800 EUR. Flat-rate target net: approx. 2,520 EUR. Actual pay (gross 50 %): 1,900 EUR. Flat-rate actual net: approx. 1,450 EUR. Net pay difference: 2,520 - 1,450 = 1,070 EUR. Short-time work allowance (60 %): 1,070 x 60 % = 642 EUR. Total income: 1,450 + 642 = 2,092 EUR/month (instead of 2,520 EUR in the normal case). The employer continues to pay social security contributions on 80 % of the lost pay.
Calculation Example
Gross 3,800 EUR, tax class I, no children, 50 % short-time work. Target net: 2,520 EUR. Actual net: 1,450 EUR. Short-time work allowance (60 % of the difference): 642 EUR. Total income: 2,092 EUR/month.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
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