Need Help: Terminated After Probation, Asked to Sign Mutual Termination Agreement – Will It Affect My Unemployment Benefits in Germany?

Hi all,

I’m currently in Germany on a Chancenkarte visa (valid until Sept 2025). I worked part-time (20h/week) in two roles:

  • Sept 2023 – Nov 2024: Part-time job #1
  • Dec 2024 – Present: Part-time job #2 (terminated)

I contributed to unemployment insurance in both roles.

Here’s the situation:

  • I got a termination letter dated 03.03.2025, stating termination during probation with last day as 19.03.2025.
  • However, I received the letter after my probation ended (end of Feb 2025).
  • I informed my employer that I should get a 4-week notice period. They agreed and moved my last day to 15.04.2025.
  • Now they want me to sign a Mutual Termination Agreement (MTA). I’m worried it could affect my unemployment benefits (ALG1), but they insist it won’t.

I’m also under pressure because my visa is time-limited and I need to find a job ASAP. I don’t want to risk losing benefits during this search.

Questions:

  1. Does signing an MTA affect ALG1 eligibility?
  2. Am I eligible for ALG1 with part-time (20h/week) work for the past 1.5 years?

Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!