Tool · Entry allowance
Entry Allowance Calculator
Enter your standard rate (Regelbedarf) and possible supplements and see right away how much entry allowance (Einstiegsgeld) under § 16b SGB II you could receive when making the leap from basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, formerly Bürgergeld) into self-employment.
Since July 1, 2026, the Bürgergeld has been called Grundsicherungsgeld (basic income support). This changes nothing for the entry allowance: it remains a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung) of the Jobcenter under § 16b SGB II, and the new priority of job placement expressly does not apply to start-ups with an entry allowance.
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Entry allowance calculator
Are you receiving basic income support and want to become self-employed? Estimate your possible entry allowance under § 16b SGB II.
Note: The entry allowance is a discretionary benefit. There is no legal entitlement and no fixed formula; the Jobcenter decides case by case. This estimate follows the usual assessment recommendation and is for orientation only.
Basis: § 16b SGB II. Besides the entry allowance, benefits for material expenses under § 16c SGB II and, after written approval, 100% funded consulting through an Activation and Placement Voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, AVGS; § 45 SGB III) are possible. Standard rate 2026: €563 (no increase). Check amounts against the current source before applying. Non-binding estimate, does not replace advice. As of June 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Entry Allowance Calculator
How much entry allowance can I get?
A base amount of 50% of the relevant standard rate is usual, plus a 20% supplement each for longer unemployment and for additional people in the household (Bedarfsgemeinschaft). With the 2026 standard rate of €563, that comes to around €281.50 base amount per month, and with both supplements up to about €506.70 per month, added up over the chosen funding period (max. 24 months).
Am I entitled to the entry allowance?
No, the entry allowance is a discretionary benefit under § 16b SGB II; there is no legal entitlement and no fixed formula. The Jobcenter decides case by case on approval, amount, and duration. Careful preparation with a viable concept clearly improves the chance of approval.
How accurate is the calculator?
It provides non-binding guidance based on the usual assessment recommendation of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit): 50% base amount + 20% supplements each. What remains decisive is your Jobcenter’s individual discretionary decision. You should check the 2026 standard rate (€563) and the amounts against the current source before applying.
What other funding is available in addition to the entry allowance?
In addition to the entry allowance, benefits for material expenses under § 16c SGB II are possible, for example for purchases related to the start-up. Also, after written approval, you can use start-up consulting that is 100% funded through an Activation and Placement Voucher (Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein, AVGS; § 45 SGB III).