Jobcenter 2.0 launches nationwide: Your applications will be digital by 2027
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the Federal Employment Agency are expanding the "Digital Jobcenter" project to all job centers in Germany. The follow-up project is called "Digital Jobcenter 2.0" and will run until December 2027. Between late 2024 and December 2025, eight job centers tested the procedure. This trial resulted in 35 measures, 13 of which were practically tested and subsequently evaluated.
This affects everyone who receives or wishes to apply for basic income support. For them, the entire process—from submitting applications and providing supporting documents to reporting changes and communicating with the job center—is intended to become more digitally integrated. In the participating job centers, online usage for initial applications was 19 percent above the national average, and for renewal applications, it was as much as 32 percent higher. These figures refer to the status as of October 2025.
In practical terms, this means: applications and renewals can be submitted via the online portal, you can photograph and upload supporting documents using your smartphone, and messages are handled via the secure mailbox service. Those who submit documents digitally can better track what has already been sent. Printing and postage costs are eliminated.
However, it is important to note what is not changing: there is still no obligation to apply for basic income support exclusively online. The application is not tied to any specific format and can also be submitted in person, by phone, or in writing. This also applies to the renewal application. Anyone who does not own a current smartphone or has difficulties with two-factor authentication will therefore retain their access.
If you activate the electronic delivery of correspondence, you should check your digital mailbox reliably. For notices, invitations, and other letters with deadlines, an overlooked message can lead to problems. Difficulties with registration, login, and authentication had already become known as early as August 2026.
By the end of 2027, digital procedures in application processing, communication, and counseling are expected to be a much more significant part of everyday life at job centers. It is therefore worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the functions of the portal and the job center app now—while knowing that the paper-based route remains open.