It is now official. The federal government gave the green light, on December 11, 2007, to the extension of the duration of unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld I) for seniors. However, after a quarrel between the large coalition's parties on the procedure to follow, the measure won't come into effect as expected on January 1, 2008. According to the SPD and unions, this can cause "an administrative chaos". (Ref. 071022)
Starting on January 1, job seekers over 50, unemployed for one year, should get longer unemployment benefits before receiving the equivalent of minimum wage (Arbeitslosengeld II), that is €345 in Western Germany and €331 in the East.
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