Activation and Placement Voucher

Apply for the Activation and Placement Voucher at your local Job center before the start of the intended program. You can do this in person, in writing, or online. Your assigned case worker may also schedule a consultation with you beforehand.

Generally, no documents are required.
However, if necessary, your local Job center may ask you to provide certain documents or proof.

If you receive benefits from your local Job center, you may be eligible for an Activation and Placement Voucher for:

• an internship or trial work placement
• programs offered by a certified provider, or
• a private employment agency

These opportunities can be divided into three categories:

Programs offered by certified providers

You can receive an Activation and Placement Voucher to enroll in a program to acquire vocational skills at a provider of your choice. The prerequisite is that the provider is certified in accordance with the Accreditation and Approval Ordinance for Employment Promotion (AZAV). The voucher contains details on the objective, duration, and content of the support. Everything is discussed in advance with your contact person at the Job Center.

The vocational training program may not exceed 8 weeks in duration. Longer training programs or programs leading to a vocational qualification can be funded for adults through the vocational continuing education program (education voucher).

Programs Offered by an Employer

With an offer from an employer, an internship or trial employment can be funded in accordance with the individually agreed terms of the voucher. The duration of the placement can be up to 6 weeks. If you have been receiving benefits for a long time or face particular barriers to employment, you may participate for up to 12 weeks.

Programs Offered by Private Employment Agencies

The responsible Job Center can provide funding for placement in an employment relationship subject to social insurance contributions through a licensed private employment agency. If an employment relationship is established with the help of the private employment agency, the agency receives a corresponding placement fee.

• After you have applied for the Activation and Placement Voucher, you may have a consultation with your case manager. The case manager will review and decide on your application.
• If the contact person approves the application, you will receive an Activation and Placement Voucher. This voucher includes, among other things, details regarding the objective, content, scope, and duration of the intended support. Depending on the objective, you will submit the voucher to an employer, a certified program provider, or a private employment agency. They will then fill out the Activation and Placement Voucher with all the necessary information. Afterward, the completed Activation and Placement Voucher must be submitted back to your local Job center.
• If your case worker rejects the application, you will receive a notice of rejection.

Important

The original, completed Activation and Placement Voucher, including all accompanying attachments, must be submitted to the responsible Job Center before the intended program begins. 

If the funding is provided by a certified provider, the corresponding program form and proof of the provider’s certification must also be included.

The duration of support generally depends on the individual's specific needs. 

However, there are legal provisions for the following situations:

• Programs with an employer (internships/trial employment): These are available for a maximum of 6 weeks; in cases of long-term benefit receipt or special barriers to placement, they may last up to 12 weeks.
• The provision of vocational training may not exceed 8 weeks. Longer training programs and opportunities leading to a vocational qualification can be supported for adults through funding for continuing vocational education (education voucher).

The Activation and Placement Voucher is free of charge.

Once the voucher has been approved, individually incurred and necessary expenses can be reimbursed. These include, for example, travel expenses, work equipment, childcare costs, and off-site accommodations.