Work Opportunities

Work opportunities are generally activities from the municipal or non-profit sector. They must be additional, non-competitive and of public interest:

• An activity is additional if it could not be carried out without the funding, not to the same extent or only at a later date.
• An activity is competition-neutral if it does not displace jobs on the general labor market or prevent the creation of new jobs.
• An activity is of public interest if the result of the work serves the general public and does not lead to the enrichment of a few individuals.

Employers who offer work opportunities are called "Maßnahmenträger". Typical examples of approved activities are:

• Assistance at the food bank
• Assistance at animal shelters
• Assistance at non-profit organizations and institutions

Participation in a work opportunity does not constitute a normal employment relationship. Participants do not have an employment contract and the associated rights and obligations. For example, work opportunities are not subject to social security contributions, which is why they are not paid into health and long-term care insurance. Your social insurance cover remains in place as you continue to receive citizen's allowance. However, you are also covered by accident insurance through the provider of the work opportunity.

Participants do not receive a normal salary when taking part in a work opportunity, but rather appropriate compensation from the Jobcenter for the additional expenses incurred. This is intended to compensate for costs incurred as a result of participation, such as travel costs or costs for work clothing. The amount is not offset against the citizen's allowance.

Only the hours actually worked are paid. Vacation, illness and other absences are not taken into account. The hourly rate is set by the job center and can be adjusted to the individual situation of the participant. If, for example, the costs are higher than the additional expense allowance, the Jobcenter must reimburse the remaining amount. An informal application must be submitted for this.

The weekly working hours are determined individually. The Jobcenter will make sure that you have enough time left over for your own efforts to find a new permanent job (e.g. job applications). You are also entitled to leave in accordance with the Federal Leave Act. The number of vacation days depends on your working hours and is calculated on a pro rata basis.

Work opportunities are not a substitute for normal employment on the labor market. However, they do offer various advantages that make it easier for you to (re)enter working life and improve your chances of finding a suitable permanent position and developing personally:

• You refresh your professional knowledge, learn new skills and develop a new career perspective.
• You will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues, make new contacts and receive recognition for your achievements.
• You can try out and develop your professional skills again without pressure, even after a long break from work.
• You will find your way back into a fixed daily routine more quickly.
• You will have the opportunity to receive socio-educational support.
• At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance or an individual report on your performance and behavior from your training provider.

If you meet the requirements, you can be allocated a work opportunity free of charge. You will soon be able to submit the relevant application online here. If you would like to find out more about your entitlement or the work opportunity allocated to you, you can also arrange an appointment with your Jobcenter. Your contact person will explain the type, scope and duration of the work and tell you who you will be working for. You will also receive all information about the work opportunity in writing. Your contact person will guide you through the entire process. Your interests can often also be taken into account. It can take a few days to 8 weeks to process your application. There are no deadlines.

Important: You are obliged to inform the Jobcenter of any changes that affect your entitlement to benefits.