Financial emergency checklist

Financial emergency checklist (Germany):

If you lose your job:

• Register as unemployed immediately (Employment Agency, no later than 3 days after notice of dismissal)
• Check the dismissal: was the notice period observed? Does protection against dismissal apply?
• Apply for ALG I unemployment benefit (60–67% of your last net pay, max. 12–24 months)
• Adjust your budget immediately

If you're ill (for more than 6 weeks):

• Inform your employer, get a doctor's certificate
• From week 7: sickness benefit from the health insurer (70% of gross, max. 78 weeks)
• Occupational disability insurance: check whether it's a claim and report it

If your card is lost/stolen:

• Blocking hotline: 116 116 (free, 24/7, worldwide)
• Inform your bank
• Report it to the police

In case of identity theft:

• Block the affected accounts
• Inform Schufa (activate identity protection)
• Report it to the police
• Check all bank statements

If a relative dies:

• Bank/account power of attorney? If not: apply for a certificate of inheritance
• Inform insurers (life insurance, death benefit)
• Apply for a pension/widow's pension
• Look for a will / contact the probate court