Additional Income for the Unemployed: Changes Starting January

Only four groups of people are exempt from the regulation for additional earnings for the unemployed, the Public Employment Service announced on Monday. All others must give up their side jobs by January 31, 2026, to avoid losing their entitlements retroactively.

Additional Earnings for the Unemployed: Exceptions for Long-term Unemployed, Older Individuals, and Convalescents

Long-term unemployed individuals over 50 years old or persons with a disability of at least 50 percent are exempt from the new regulation, which aims to lead to faster integration of job seekers. In general, long-term unemployed individuals are allowed to earn additional income within the marginal employment limit for 26 weeks once. Those who have received sickness, rehabilitation, or retraining benefits for at least 52 weeks due to illness are allowed to work marginally for up to 26 weeks once. Also exempt from the new regulation are those who have already engaged in this side activity for at least 26 weeks before unemployment. They may continue to perform this side job marginally while receiving unemployment benefits or emergency assistance.

For Markus Koza, social spokesperson for the Greens, this regulation is not accurate: "It also takes away 'that foot in the working world' from people in unemployment - especially those who have been unemployed for a longer time - which often led them back into working life." Last year, 28,120 people - and thus 9.5 percent of those affected - took advantage of the opportunity to improve their support within the marginal employment limit. For Koza, this is not a serious labor market policy problem.

(APA/Red)

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