Parental Leave and Re-entry

The Parental Leave and Re-entry program of the Vienna Employees’ Support Fund (waff) is aimed at employed individuals with their main residence in Vienna who are on or planning to take parental, caregiving, or family hospice leave. The focus is on early information and comprehensive counseling regarding education and training options to optimally prepare the transition back into professional life. The counseling can be supplemented by a qualification subsidy covering 90% of course costs – up to a maximum of €4,000. Additionally, the program offers topic-specific group events and workshops where experiences are exchanged and knowledge about career opportunities after leave is deepened. Applications can be submitted continuously, allowing for flexible individual planning.

Eligible costs include course fees for recognized education and training measures that are not already completed during an educational leave. Requirements for application include, among others, an active employment relationship, a net income of a maximum of €2,500 (exception: compulsory schooling), leave duration up to the 22nd or 24th month of the child’s life, as well as minimum attendance rates for online courses. To submit an application, proof of registration, income verification, cost estimate, leave agreement, and other documents must be provided. After completing the qualification measure, the invoice and certificate of participation are required. All necessary documents must be submitted no later than 12 weeks after the completion of the training. Through these measures, the program aims to sustainably facilitate the return to work and create greater equal opportunities for parents on leave and caregiving relatives.