The legal traineeship (Rechtsreferendariat) in Rhineland-Palatinate is the training after the first state law exam. During placements at court, the public prosecutor’s office, administration and a law firm, you receive a monthly maintenance allowance (Unterhaltsbeihilfe). Its amount and steps are the starting point for your financial planning.
Short answer: Legal trainees in Rhineland-Palatinate receive a maintenance allowance. For Rhineland-Palatinate we have no verified basic amount with status 2026 (last updated October 2026). The source we checked contains no information on health insurance or side jobs.
The most important points at a glance
- Basic amount: no verified figure with status 2026.
- Steps: no verified figures.
- Legal basis: state law, details not checked.
- Comparison: you will find the NRW figure of EUR 1,585.17 in the guide to the maintenance allowance in NRW.
- Open questions: health insurance, side jobs and supplements should be clarified in writing with the responsible authority.
How high is the maintenance allowance in Rhineland-Palatinate?
The maintenance allowance follows state law. We do not have a verified version with amounts.
| Valid from | Basic amount (gross, monthly) |
|---|---|
| 1 April 2026 | no verified figure |
| 1 March 2027 | no verified figure |
| 1 January 2028 | no verified figure |
Source: dbb pay table Rhineland-Palatinate, draft of 27 July 2026, subject to promulgation (last updated October 2026). No verified amounts are available.
Comparison: legal traineeship in Rhineland-Palatinate and NRW
A comparison is useful if you can choose the state for your traineeship. The table sets the basic amounts from 1 April 2026 side by side.
| Feature | Rhineland-Palatinate | NRW (for comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic amount gross per month from 1 April 2026 | no verified figure | EUR 1,585.17 |
| Legal basis | Not verified | Regulation under section 32(3) sentence 6 JAG NRW |
| Part-time training | Not regulated in the source we checked | Reduced by one fifth |
| Health insurance subsidy | Not regulated in the source we checked | Not provided |
Health insurance and social contributions during the traineeship
The part of the state law we checked contains nothing on health insurance. The maintenance allowance is therefore a gross payment, and the contributions due from it depend on your insurance status. Whether you are statutorily or privately insured, and which contributions apply, you should clarify with your health insurer and the authority responsible for your traineeship. An overview is in the German guide Krankenversicherung im Referendariat: GKV, PKV und Beihilfe.
Side jobs during the legal traineeship in Rhineland-Palatinate
The source we checked does not regulate secondary employment. The training rules and the requirements of the traineeship apply. Ask in writing before you accept any job. The general framework for law trainees is explained in the German guide großer Ratgeber für angehende Juristen.
Worked example: the annual gross figure
Assumption: twelve months at your monthly gross amount give your annual gross figure. That is the starting figure before taxes and social contributions. Calculate the net amount with the Federal Ministry of Finance calculator, because this guide does not calculate income tax itself.
For financial planning, a cautious approach works best. Calculate the whole training period first with the amount you have confirmed in writing and plan a buffer. Your budget then remains workable even if individual figures shift or supplements turn out differently.
To convert monthly figures to yearly ones, multiply by twelve. For net pay, deduct income tax, the solidarity surcharge, church tax where applicable and social contributions where they apply to you. Clarify in advance which of these apply.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the maintenance allowance for legal trainees in Rhineland-Palatinate?
For Rhineland-Palatinate we have no verified basic amount with status 2026. The amount is in your notice and can be asked for in writing from the competent office.
Does the allowance rise automatically?
The steps are fixed in the law. The version we checked names no further adjustments. Check the current text of the law when changes are announced.
How does this compare with NRW?
We cannot set a verified figure for Rhineland-Palatinate against NRW, which is EUR 1,585.17. The rules on part-time training and supplements differ, so treat the comparison as a first orientation only.
Who clarifies my health insurance?
Your health insurer or private insurer clarifies your insurance status and contributions. The authority responsible for your training confirms which allowances you receive. A personal assessment is available through So arbeiten wir (in German).
What to do now
- Check the basic amount and the date from which it applies in your notice.
- Calculate your annual budget gross and net, using the Federal Ministry of Finance calculator as your basis.
- Clarify in writing whether side jobs, supplements or a placement abroad have any effect.
- Clarify your health insurance before the traineeship starts so that your cover has no gaps.
Related guides
- Krankenversicherung im Rechtsreferendariat: Ratgeber für Juristen (in German)
- Law student insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Health Insurance After the Trainee Period: What Comes Next
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Rechtsreferendariat in Hessen
Sources: Landesamt für Finanzen Rheinland-Palatinate: note on maintenance allowance (status October 2026); NRW regulation on the monthly maintenance allowance, version effective 1 April 2026 (for comparison); dbb: pay table Rhineland-Palatinate, draft of 27 July 2026, subject to promulgation (status October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
