Apprentice Bonus

Apprentice Bonus promotes the professional participation of young people with disabilities in Vienna. Subject to a company size of 25 to 99 employees, employers can apply for a bonus from the Equalization Levy Fund equivalent to the currently applicable equalization levy per eligible apprentice in training. This form of direct funding aims to reduce barriers in the training sector and make inclusive training positions attractive. The subsidy rate is 100%, allowing the full amount of the equalization levy (e.g., €335 per month per open mandatory position) to be claimed as a bonus. The program has been ongoing since January 1, 2016, without a fixed submission deadline and is open to both private companies and public institutions.

For the application, employers must provide proof of the existing apprenticeship relationship and company size, as well as a decision confirming the eligible disability. Eligible expenses include exclusively bonus payments corresponding to the applicable equalization levy; investment costs and wage costs for non-training staff are excluded. Evaluation is based on proof of employment relationships with eligible apprentices, company size, and completeness of the documentation. Applications can be submitted electronically at any time, with the responsible authority reviewing the funding application and deciding on the grant. This straightforward funding opportunity enables companies to make an important contribution to strengthening inclusive training while simultaneously underscoring their social responsibility within the Vienna economic area.