The government corrects the AMS rules for beneficiaries of the care grant
The newspaper 'Der Standard' reported that the amendment to the unemployment insurance law, which aims to prevent unemployed individuals from increasing unemployment benefits or emergency assistance through additional income starting January, will need an important correction. It has been found that the new wording would also prevent marginal work (Geringfügigkeit) during participation in educational courses organized by the AMS labor market service, including recipients of the care grant Pflegestipendium and those enrolled in specialized vocational courses.
The Ministry of Labor, Health, Social Affairs, and Care told the Austrian Press Agency APA on Thursday: "This was not intended," confirming that work is currently underway on a new legislative amendment that includes an exemption from marginal income restrictions during rehabilitation and training programs that last four months or more. The ministry also indicated that a draft legislative initiative has already been prepared and is now in the coordination phase with government partners.
According to what was reported by 'Kronen Zeitung' on Thursday, the absence of the exception would have led to the exclusion of more than 3,000 people from AMS benefits, including a large number of care grant recipients and students in specialized courses. The Fachkräftestipendium competence grant is already covered by an exception that allows parallel marginal work.
Starting from 2026, unemployed individuals will not be allowed to increase unemployment benefits or emergency assistance except in specific exceptional cases. However, during the current year, they can still earn up to €551.10 per month without losing their rights. The announced exceptions for the upcoming period include: Unemployed individuals over 50 years old People with disabilities of 50% or more
On his part, Markus Koutsa, the spokesperson for labor and social affairs at the Green Party, described the anticipated amendment as a 'welcome step,' but emphasized the need for additional modifications to the rules regarding supplementary income. Koutsa reminded of the protests organized by workers in the cultural sector against the ban on marginal work for the unemployed, pointing out that the nature of their contracts is often seasonal or project-based, making periods of unemployment part of their career path. Koutsa stated that the ban on supplementary income, with few exceptions, is not well thought out enough.