Benefit to promote integration into the labour market

When you apply for the benefit to promote integration into the labour market, your Job center will determine whether you are eligible to receive it and, if so, the amount you may receive.

When calculating the amount of the benefit to promote integration into the labour market, the following factors are generally taken into account:

• Previous duration of unemployment
• Size of the household, for example, the family
• The applicant’s current standard needs

Since these factors can vary greatly, the amount of the benefit also varies. For certain groups of people, your Job center may also apply a flat-rate calculation.

Your local Job center will review your application for the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market. You must submit the application before you begin working. You will receive the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market for a maximum of 24 months. The amount of the payment is determined on a case-by-case basis. 

Important: Submit the application before you begin self-employment or a job subject to social security contributions.

If you receive basic income support and would like to become self-employed as your primary occupation, the Job center requires a fully completed application for the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market. 

Ideally, you should also submit the following documents:

• Resume, including any necessary certificates of qualification, if applicable
• A detailed description of your business start-up plan explaining your business idea
• Capital requirements and financing plan
• Revenue projections and profit forecasts for the next 3 years
• Proof of professional qualifications relevant to the field of activity
• If applicable, a statement from an external third party or an expert body regarding the future success of your business. Expert bodies include: professional chambers, trade associations, financial institutions, and startup initiatives

Important: You can initially submit the application without providing additional documents. In this case, the responsible authority will request any missing documents. This may extend the processing time.
After you have submitted the application, your Job center will often require additional documents. These primarily include proof that you are self-employed. This can be, for example, a business registration, a filing with the tax office, or confirmation of the transition from a side business to a primary business.

If necessary, additional documentation may need to be submitted, such as:

• Accident insurance
• Business liability insurance
• Registration in the trade register

You would like to take a job subject to social security contributions and are currently receiving basic income support. If you meet the requirements to receive the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market, you will need the following documentation:

• a fully completed application for the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market
• an employment contract for a job subject to social security contributions with a monthly salary of more than 603 euros

Important: You can initially submit the application without providing your employment contract in order to meet the necessary deadlines. In this case, the responsible authority will request the missing documents at a later date. This may extend the duration of the process.

The application is free of charge.

If you submitted your application online or in person at a Job center, the Job center will review whether you meet the eligibility requirements for benefits. Sometimes a follow-up consultation takes place afterward.

You will receive a notice by mail informing you whether your application has been approved or denied. If your application is approved, the Job center will transfer the amount to your account monthly in advance.

Ideally, you’ll need a business plan to receive a benefit to promote integration into the labour market for your self-employment. It helps the Job center assess whether your business venture is economically viable. A business plan typically includes a financial plan, revenue and profitability projections, a description of the business you’re starting, and a resume that demonstrates your qualifications for the planned business activity.

If your business startup plan fails, you do not have to repay the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market.

You can receive the benefit to promote integration into the labour market for a maximum of 24 months.
 

If you are receiving only Unemployment benefits and would like to become self-employed, you are not eligible for the Benefit to promote integration into the labour market. Please contact your local Employment Agency to inquire about other funding options and find out, for example, about the business start-up grant.

Your self-employment is considered your primary occupation if you do not engage in any other activities that take up a greater amount of your time. The income from your primary occupation should also be your main source of income for covering your living expenses.

If you are engaged in employment subject to social security contributions and are receiving a benefit to promote integration into the labour market, you will continue to receive it even if you miss a few days of work, are on short-time work, or are sick.