Einladung zum Meldetermin (Jobcenter)
Jobcenter appointment letter (Einladung): what it means and what to do
From: Your Jobcenter
The Jobcenter has asked you to come to an appointment, called a Meldetermin. The letter names a place, a date and a time. You are expected to attend in person. Since the reform that came into force step by step from 1 July 2026, the benefit Bürgergeld is called Grundsicherungsgeld.
Got this letter? Get your personal explanation.Take a photo. See your deadline, amount, and next steps, in your language. First letter free.Why you got this letter
- A talk about your job search, training, or other support.
- Checking your situation and your right to benefits.
- Preparing a decision about your benefits.
- Agreeing or updating a Kooperationsplan (a plan with support offers and duties).
- A medical or psychological examination appointment.
What to do
- 1Write down the date, time, place, and the name of the person you will meet.
- 2Read the whole letter. See if it says what to bring.
- 3Go in person, on time. Necessary travel costs can be refunded on request in some cases. Ask the Jobcenter.
- 4If you cannot come, contact the Jobcenter before the date. Give the reason and send proof, for example a doctor's note. Ask for a new date.
- 5Keep a copy of the letter. Note who you talked to and when.
- 6If you think the letter is wrong, you can object, but this does not cancel the appointment (see below).
Deadline
The date and time in the letter. If you cannot come, tell the Jobcenter before that date.
If you do nothing
Rules for missed appointments (Meldeversäumnisse) are now staged. According to the federal government, missing the first appointment has no consequence. From the second missed appointment, your standard rate (Regelbedarf) can be cut by 30 percent for one month, unless you have an important reason and can prove it. This only applies if you were warned in writing about the consequences or knew them. After three missed appointments in a row without an important reason, you can be treated as unreachable. Your benefit, including housing costs, can then end. It can be restored if you report in person to the Jobcenter.
Can you object?
You can file a Widerspruch within one month after the letter is considered delivered. A letter sent by post is treated as delivered on the fourth day after posting, unless it arrived later or not at all. The Jobcenter must prove receipt if there is doubt. But a Widerspruch does not pause the duty to attend (§ 39 SGB II). So either go, or ask for a new date.
Words in this letter
- Einladung / Meldetermin
- An invitation to an appointment you must attend in person.
- Meldeversäumnis
- A missed appointment without an accepted important reason.
- Wichtiger Grund
- An important reason, for example illness. You must state it and prove it.
- Rechtsfolgenbelehrung
- A written warning about what happens if you miss the appointment.
- Regelbedarf
- The standard monthly amount for living costs. Housing costs are separate.
- Grundsicherungsgeld
- The new name for Bürgergeld since the 2026 reform.
Example reply
Ask for a new appointment because you cannot come (for example, you are ill).
Betreff: Einladung vom [Datum] zum Termin am [Datum], [Uhrzeit] – Bitte um neuen Termin
Kundennummer / BG-Nummer: [Nummer aus Ihrem Schreiben]
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
ich habe Ihre Einladung vom [Datum] zum Termin am [Datum] um [Uhrzeit] erhalten. Leider kann ich diesen Termin nicht wahrnehmen, weil [Grund, zum Beispiel: ich krank bin. Die Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung liegt bei].
Bitte geben Sie mir einen neuen Termin. Ich bin erreichbar unter [Telefon / E-Mail].
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Vor- und Nachname]
[Anschrift]Show English translation
Subject: Invitation dated [date] for the appointment on [date], [time] – request for a new appointment Customer number / household number: [number from your letter] Dear Sir or Madam, I received your invitation dated [date] for the appointment on [date] at [time]. Unfortunately I cannot attend, because [reason, for example: I am ill. The medical certificate is attached]. Please give me a new appointment. You can reach me at [phone / email]. Kind regards [Full name] [Address]
Questions people ask
What if I am sick on the day?
Tell the Jobcenter before the date and send proof, for example a doctor's note. For unemployment benefit the law says an invitation can apply from the first day you are fit to work again, but only if the invitation says so. Ask the Jobcenter how it works for your letter.
Is it a problem if I miss only one appointment?
According to the federal government, missing the first appointment has no consequences under the new rules. The second one can lead to a 30 percent cut for one month. Do not rely on this. Contact the Jobcenter whenever you cannot come.
What if the letter arrived too late?
A letter by post counts as delivered on the fourth day after posting. This does not apply if it arrived later or not at all. If there is doubt, the authority must prove when you received it. Keep the envelope and tell the Jobcenter.
Is this still called Bürgergeld?
Since the reform that came into force step by step from 1 July 2026, the benefit is called Grundsicherungsgeld. Older letters and websites may still say Bürgergeld.
Sources
- Bundesregierung: Bürgergeld wird zur neuen Grundsicherung
- § 32 SGB II (Meldeversäumnisse)
- § 7b SGB II (Erreichbarkeit)
- § 309 SGB III (Allgemeine Meldepflicht)
Updated 2026-10-20. This page explains a common type of letter; it is not legal advice. Your letter may differ, so check its dates and amounts.