Emergency Assistance

Emergency assistance constitutes a follow-up benefit to unemployment benefits and supports employable and willing-to-work individuals in Austria who have fallen into financial hardship after exhausting their entitlement to unemployment benefits or parental leave allowance. The benefit can be applied for at any time, but no later than three years after the end of the unemployment benefit period. Requirements include Austrian citizenship (or uninterrupted residence since January 1, 1930), proof of employability, unemployment, and willingness to work, as well as an appropriate employer’s certificate regarding the duration and nature of the employment relationship. The application is supplemented by the nationwide AMS application form and proof of citizenship. The funding is granted as a non-repayable grant and covers an approval period of up to 26 weeks. The amount of emergency assistance is based on the most recently received unemployment benefit and is reduced if applicable by credits from income, maintenance payments, or capital income.

Implementation is the responsibility of the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) nationwide in all federal states. Emergency assistance aims to secure subsistence during ongoing job search and contributes to reducing unemployment. In justified hardship cases, the AMS may pay partial amounts despite insufficient income. The straightforward, always possible application process, combined with rapid approval and transparent funding criteria, makes emergency assistance a reliable support for people who urgently need financial help after exhausting their benefits.