Change in AMS funds - A new trap revealed
Starting from January 1st, there will be a significant change in unemployment support and emergency assistance. However, the Green Party has noted some traps that may affect beneficiaries.
After a long discussion, a fundamental amendment to unemployment support and emergency assistance has been established at the beginning of the new year. From now on, beneficiaries of support will not be allowed to work part-time alongside the support, with exceptions, such as if the beneficiary has been receiving AMS support for a full year, then they can earn additional income for a maximum of 26 weeks.
According to the Green Party, this change raises a significant amount of concern among those affected. Therefore, the spokesperson for labor and social affairs, Markus Koza, submitted a parliamentary question asking the Minister of Social Affairs, Corina Schumann, to clarify some typical cases to ensure a full understanding of the new laws.
This situation creates particular difficulties for self-employed workers. Their service periods are counted even if they do not actually work, while it is very difficult to meet the exemption criteria when working part-time as an employee in technical or scientific fields. For example, a person who has been studying at universities for a long time may suddenly be unable to give lectures because the duration of contracts is often only one semester and does not reach half a year. There are now fears that many activities currently carried out as employee jobs will be converted into fictitious employment.
In addition, another trap has emerged. Many artists, journalists, and others do not meet the second requirement for the exemption, which is to complete 26 weeks of fully insured work without interruption, even if their work is spread over two years. As a result, individuals face the risk of being forced to leave their profession at the beginning of the year. Those suffering from personal bankruptcy are the most vulnerable to unemployment, as additional income is often the only means to cover current demands, and the new regulation will deprive them of this opportunity.
Therefore, the Green Party will present an amendment in the National Council on Wednesday aimed at redesigning the exceptions so that no one is forced to choose between an actual professional ban and losing social security. It will also be possible to exempt certain groups from the ban in justified cases. The spokesperson for labor and social affairs, Markus Koza, warns: "People in culture, science, and journalism rely on projects and temporary commitments. Among them, there are periods of unemployment during which they need additional income to stay in the profession and secure their livelihood. The new regulation deprives them of additional earning opportunities and thus their professional future."