New strict rules in the AMS come into effect!
The Austrian government announced radical changes to the unemployment support system as part of the new austerity plan, aimed at encouraging individuals to quickly return to the labor market and reduce reliance on government assistance. The most notable of these changes is the cancellation of the possibility to work with limited income while receiving unemployment benefits or emergency assistance, except in specific cases. Starting from January 1, 2026, unemployed individuals will not be allowed to earn additional income within the limits of minor work (currently a maximum of 551.10 euros per month) as was previously the case.
Exceptions include those who were engaged in this type of work before losing their jobs, as well as those over the age of fifty or who have gone through a long illness. Long-term unemployed individuals can also engage in light work for a maximum of 26 weeks to facilitate their return to work. Economy Minister Wolfgang Hatmannsdorfer from the ÖVP party explained that dual income could serve as an incentive not to seriously seek employment, as the total of benefits and additional income can reach 1800 euros per month without actual work.
In addition, it was decided to abolish what is known as the "education bonus" introduced in 2024. This bonus was granted to beneficiaries of social assistance participating in long-term training courses with monthly support of up to 300 euros. This support, which could reach 3600 euros annually, will be completely abolished, with the legal text related to it removed from the basic social assistance law.
The government justified the decision by the existence of administrative overlap between the concerned institutions. The rule exempting this support from counting towards social assistance will also be abolished. Starting from July 1, other changes will come into effect, as the unemployed will be required to notify AMS offices immediately after the end of their temporary interruption, such as vacations or illness, without waiting for a week as was previously practiced. Unemployment benefits will only be paid starting from the date of re-registration.
On the other hand, the adoption of the electronic "eAMS" system will expand, where applications must be submitted electronically whenever possible. All official correspondence will also be sent through this account. The unemployed are required to check their email in the account at least twice a week, as the documents received there are considered officially delivered.