Writing Up PhD in Germany...on Unemployment Insurance?

• Hi,
  
  I'm a foreigner writing up my PhD thesis at a German university, and my funding from my boss will run out in a few months. I was paid a half a salary (BAT2A/2) for 4 years during my PhD study, and I paid all the taxes, unemployment insurance, and pension. In the worst-case scenario, I won't graduate before my funding runs out and my residence permit will expire because it is bound to my financial support from my boss.
  
  My colleagues tell me that it is a common thing in Germany to finish writing a thesis on unemployment insurance.
  
  My question: is it possible for me to receive unemployment benefits and get my residence permit extended, using the unemployment benefits as my financial support? The Arbeitsamt says that technically anybody who has contributed to unemployment insurance for over one year is allowed to receive benefits, but today I was at the Auslanderbehoerder, and they said that despite having paid into the unemployment insurance, I cannot collect since I was here as a student and that my residence permit is bound to my ability to have financial support by a job, or bank account somewhere...
  
  I am a student, but I am also being paid a half a civil servant's salary and paying into the system. Doesn't that count for something?
  Has anybody had any experience with this?
  
  Dazed and confused with the System

  10 Jun 2005, 11:57 Anonymous

Replies

• Editor of the Legal Guide to Germany

  Hi,
  Don't worry to much. When you lose your job, apply for unemployment money and as soon as you have your Bescheid report this to the foreigners office in person. you surely will get your permit renewed but maybe only for time. Just keep your head in the books...
  
  Alexander
  German Attorney

  Anonymous 15 Jun 2005, 11:47 - Report