Habe ich bei einer Kündigung automatisch Anspruch auf eine Abfindung?

Nein, ein automatischer Anspruch auf eine Abfindung besteht grundsätzlich nicht. Eine Abfindung wird meist im Rahmen von Verhandlungen, eines Aufhebungsvertrags oder eines gerichtlichen Vergleichs gezahlt. Ein gesetzlicher Anspruch besteht nur in bestimmten Ausnahmefällen.

In welchen Fällen wird eine Abfindung bei Kündigung gezahlt?

Eine Abfindung kommt häufig bei betriebsbedingten Kündigungen, im Rahmen einer Kündigungsschutzklage oder bei einem Aufhebungsvertrag in Betracht. Arbeitgeber zahlen oft eine Abfindung, um rechtliche Risiken und lange Gerichtsverfahren zu vermeiden.

Wie hoch fällt eine Abfindung in der Regel aus?

Die Höhe der Abfindung ist nicht gesetzlich festgelegt. In der Praxis orientiert sie sich häufig an der Faustformel von 0,5 Bruttomonatsgehältern pro Beschäftigungsjahr. Je nach Einzelfall kann die Abfindung jedoch höher oder niedriger ausfallen.

Welche Faktoren beeinflussen die Höhe der Abfindung?

Entscheidend sind unter anderem die Dauer der Betriebszugehörigkeit, das Bruttogehalt, das Alter des Arbeitnehmers, bestehende Unterhaltspflichten sowie die Erfolgsaussichten einer Kündigungsschutzklage. Auch Fehler in der Kündigung können die Abfindung erhöhen.

Kann ich meine mögliche Abfindung vorab berechnen?

Ja, mit einem Abfindungsrechner lässt sich eine erste unverbindliche Einschätzung der möglichen Abfindungshöhe vornehmen. Der Rechner ersetzt jedoch keine rechtliche Prüfung, da individuelle Faktoren eine große Rolle spielen.

Ist eine Abfindung steuerpflichtig?

Ja, eine Abfindung ist einkommensteuerpflichtig, unterliegt jedoch nicht der Sozialversicherung. Unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen kann die sogenannte Fünftelregelung angewendet werden, um die Steuerlast zu reduzieren.

Muss ich eine Kündigungsschutzklage einreichen, um eine Abfindung zu erhalten?

In vielen Fällen ja. Eine Kündigungsschutzklage verbessert häufig die Verhandlungsposition und führt nicht selten zu einer Abfindung im Rahmen eines gerichtlichen Vergleichs. Ohne Klage sinken die Chancen deutlich.

Welche Fristen muss ich bei einer Kündigung beachten?

Nach Zugang der Kündigung haben Sie drei Wochen Zeit, um Kündigungsschutzklage beim Arbeitsgericht einzureichen. Wird diese Frist versäumt, gilt die Kündigung in der Regel als wirksam.

Was passiert nach erfolgreicher Kündigungsschutzklage?

Nach erfolgreicher Kündigungsschutzklage besteht ein Anspruch auf Wiedereinstellung bzw. Weiterbeschäftigung.

Hat ein Aufhebungsvertrag Einfluss auf die Abfindung?

Ja, bei einem Aufhebungsvertrag wird die Abfindung meist direkt vertraglich geregelt. Dabei ist besondere Vorsicht geboten, da unter Umständen Sperrzeiten beim Arbeitslosengeld drohen können.

Wann sollte ich rechtliche Unterstützung in Anspruch nehmen?

Idealerweise sofort nach Erhalt der Kündigung. Eine frühzeitige rechtliche Prüfung erhöht die Chancen auf eine angemessene Abfindung erheblich und hilft, Fristen und taktische Fehler zu vermeiden.

Severance pay upon termination:
Your rights, opportunities and options for action

Use telephone advice

Severance pay upon termination – what you should know

Are you facing dismissal or have you already been fired? Have you been dismissed under misleading circumstances, or are the reasons given by the employer unjustified? Dismissal can feel unfair, and often they are not legally viable. Therefore, your chances of successfully challenging dismissal as an employee are significant.

We understand how stressful such a situation can be, after all, your income depends on your employment. Receiving a letter of termination can quickly lead to financial and social challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional advice. As specialist employment lawyers, we know the strategies that employees can use to defend themselves against termination. But act quickly, because employment law requires a short deadline of just two weeks to file a wrongful termination claim.

severance pay calculator

your legal severance pay claim according to Section 1a KSchG You can calculate this here. This can also serve as a guide for a possible severance payment in the context of the dismissal protection process.

Order online now

Just 3 steps to a fair severance package – easy, convenient & fast

Test

We will check whether you are entitled to a severance payment and what options are available.

Advice

We realistically assess your chances of receiving a severance payment and show you the best course of action.

commissioning

You decide whether we should enforce your severance claims and represent your interests.

Requirements, amount and tax treatment of severance pay upon termination of employment

A Entitlement to severance pay upon termination This right exists only in certain legally regulated exceptional cases, such as a severance offer under Section 1a of the German Protection Against Unfair Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz) or within the framework of a social plan. In the vast majority of cases, however, the entitlement arises from negotiations between employee and employer or from a settlement reached in the context of an unfair dismissal claim before the labor court. A prerequisite for this is generally that the employment relationship is subject to protection against unfair dismissal and that the dismissal is legally reviewable.

The Amount of severance pay is not strictly prescribed, but is often based on the common rule of thumb of 0.5 gross monthly salaries per year of employment. Depending on the individual case, the severance payment can be significantly higher or lower. Key factors include the length of service, the employee's age, salary level, existing maintenance obligations, and the likelihood of success in an unfair dismissal claim. You can easily obtain an initial, realistic estimate of the potential severance payment amount with our severance calculator undertake this. This provides you with non-binding guidance and helps you better assess your negotiating position. Severance payments are subject to income tax but not to social security contributions. Under certain conditions, the so-called One-fifth rule to be applied for tax relief. Compliance with the [relevant regulations/guidelines] is also particularly important. three-week period for filing a lawsuit after receipt of the notice of termination, as missing the deadline can significantly hinder or even prevent the enforcement of a severance payment.

Call us – We are happy to advise you:
+49 (0)211 / 819770

How we support you

If you are dismissed, we will be at your side to help you make the best of the situation. With our many years of practical experience, we advise and represent you throughout the entire dismissal protection process - from receiving the letter of dismissal to the hearing before the employment court. It is crucial to clarify the background to the dismissal in detail. Depending on the prospects of success, it may make sense to insist on continuing your employment or to negotiate a severance payment. Our goal is to find an amicable solution that does justice to your rights and claims.

As your lawyer, we will handle all correspondence with your employer, the works council, the labor court and the relevant authorities to relieve you of as much stress as possible during this difficult time. We will be happy to clarify the legal and court costs as well as your possible claims against the employer in advance so that you know what to expect.

Call us

Our R&U lawyers will advise you competently and reliably.

+49 (0)211 / 819770

Write to us

We answer your questions professionally and legally.

office@ru.law

make contact

We look forward to your inquiry and will get back to you promptly.

fill out the form

Erfahrungen & Bewertungen zu Rogert & Ulbrich Rechtsanwälte in Partnerschaft mbB

Awarded by our clients

We are pleased about top ratings and high customer satisfaction.

Non-binding initial consultation
professional & competent lawyers
first-class & smooth support
full transparency & access to all documents at any time
very good accessibility, by phone & email

Further interesting information on the subject of labor law:

labor law

Commerzbank cuts almost 4,000 jobs despite record profits

labor law, corporate law

Essential clauses and templates for managing directors of a GmbH

labor law

home office agreement

Am I automatically entitled to severance pay if I am dismissed?

No, there is generally no automatic entitlement to severance pay. Severance pay is usually paid as part of negotiations, a termination agreement, or a court settlement. A legal entitlement exists only in certain exceptional cases.

In which cases is severance pay paid upon termination of employment?

Severance pay is frequently considered in cases of redundancy, unfair dismissal claims, or mutual termination agreements. Employers often pay severance to avoid legal risks and lengthy court proceedings.

How much is a severance payment typically?

The amount of severance pay is not legally fixed. In practice, it is often based on the rule of thumb of 0.5 gross monthly salaries per year of employment. However, depending on the individual case, the severance payment can be higher or lower.

What factors influence the amount of the severance payment?

Key factors include the length of service, gross salary, the employee's age, any existing maintenance obligations, and the likelihood of success in an unfair dismissal claim. Errors in the dismissal process can also increase the severance payment.

Can I calculate my potential severance pay in advance?

Yes, a severance calculator can provide an initial, non-binding estimate of the potential severance payment. However, the calculator does not replace a legal review, as individual factors play a significant role.

Is a severance payment taxable?

Yes, a severance payment is subject to income tax, but not to social security contributions. Under certain conditions, the so-called one-fifth rule can be applied to reduce the tax burden.

Do I have to file a wrongful dismissal claim to receive severance pay?

In many cases, yes. Filing a wrongful dismissal claim often improves your negotiating position and frequently leads to a severance payment as part of a court settlement. Without a claim, your chances decrease significantly.

What deadlines do I need to observe when giving notice of termination?

After receiving your notice of termination, you have three weeks to file a claim for unfair dismissal with the labor court. If this deadline is missed, the termination is generally considered valid.

What happens after a successful unfair dismissal claim?

After a successful unfair dismissal claim, there is a right to reinstatement or continued employment.

Does a termination agreement affect the severance payment?

Yes, in a termination agreement, the severance payment is usually directly stipulated in the contract. Particular caution is advised, as there may be a waiting period before unemployment benefits can be paid.

When should I seek legal support?

Ideally, this should be done immediately upon receiving the notice of termination. Early legal review significantly increases the chances of receiving fair severance pay and helps avoid missed deadlines and tactical errors.

Didn't find the right answer?

Write your question to
office@ru.law
or call us:
+49 (0)211 / 819770

We are here for you:
Monday to Friday 9:00 – 18:00

Severance pay upon termination:
Your rights, opportunities and options for action