Are managing directors entitled to unemployment benefits?

According to the law, shareholders and managing directors who can determine or influence business decisions have a position similar to that of an employer and are therefore not entitled to unemployment benefits.

This concerns persons who determine decisions made by the employer (GmbH, AG) or those who can influence these decisions to a high degree as a shareholder, member of a governing body or financial shareholder.

The unemployment insurance funds check and decide whether or not the insured person is in such a position based on organisational charts, excerpts from the commercial register, employment contracts, etc. The unemployment insurance funds also check and decide whether or not the insured person is in such a position.