AMS Limits Extra Earnings For Unemployed From 2026
Starting in 2026, unemployed individuals will only be allowed to supplement their unemployment benefits or emergency assistance with additional earnings in exceptional cases.
Starting in 2026, unemployed individuals will only be allowed to supplement their unemployment benefits or emergency assistance with additional earnings in exceptional cases. This year, they can still earn up to €551.10 per month without losing their entitlement. Only four groups of people are exempt from the new regulation, the Public Employment Service (AMS) announced on Monday. All others must give up their side jobs by January 31, 2026, or risk losing benefits retroactively.
Long-term unemployed persons over the age of 50 or individuals with a disability of at least 50 percent are exempt from the new rule, which is intended to facilitate faster reintegration of job seekers. In general, long-term unemployed persons may earn additional income for one 26-week period within the marginal employment threshold.
Those who have received sickness, rehabilitation, or retraining benefits for at least 52 weeks are also allowed to take on marginal employment once for up to 26 weeks.
The new regulation also exempts people who had already held a secondary job for at least 26 weeks before becoming unemployed. They may continue this marginal employment while receiving unemployment benefits or emergency assistance.
Last year, 28,120 people—or 9.5 percent of all recipients—used the opportunity to supplement their unemployment support with income within the marginal earnings limit.
Get Vienna in your inbox
The stories that matter — straight from The International, every week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.