Work Opportunities

Work Opportunities are generally activities in the municipal or nonprofit sectors. They must be supplementary, non-competitive, and in the public interest:

• An activity is considered supplementary if, without the funding, it cannot be carried out at all, cannot be carried out to this extent, or can only be carried out at a later date.
• An activity is competition-neutral if it does not displace jobs in the general labor market or prevent the creation of new jobs.
• An activity is in the public interest if the results of the work benefit the general public and do not lead to the enrichment of a few individuals.

Employers who offer Work Opportunities are called program providers. Typical examples of approved activities include:

• Assistance at a food bank
• Assisting at an animal shelter
• Assisting at nonprofit organizations and institutions

Participation in a Work Opportunity does not constitute a normal employment relationship. Participants do not have an employment contract or the associated rights and obligations. For example, Work Opportunities are not subject to social security contributions, which is why no payments are made toward health and long-term care insurance through them. Your social security coverage remains in effectthrough your ongoing receipt of basic income support. However, you are also covered by workers’ compensation insurance through your program provider while participating in a Work Opportunity.

Participants do not receive a regular salary while participating in a Work Opportunity; instead, they receive appropriate compensation from the Job Center for the additional expenses incurred. This compensation is intended to cover costs resulting from participation, such as travel expenses or the cost of work clothing. This amount is not countedtoward the basic income support benefit.

Payment is made only for hours actually worked. Vacation, sick leave, and other absences are not taken into account. The hourly rate is set by the Job Center and can be adjusted to the participant’s individual situation. For example, if the costs exceed the compensation for additional expenses, the Job Center must reimburse the remaining amount. An informal request must be submitted for this.

The weekly work schedule is determined on an individual basis. The Job Center ensures that you have enough time left over for your own efforts to find a new permanent job (such as applying for positions). You are also entitled to vacation time under the Federal Vacation 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 regular employment in the labor market. However, they offer various benefits that make it easier for you to (re)enter the workforce and improve your chances of finding a suitable permanent position as well as furthering your personal development:

• You’ll refresh your professional knowledge, acquire new skills, and develop new career prospects.
• You’ll have the opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues, make new connections, and receive recognition for your achievements.
• You can test and further develop your professional skills without pressure, even after a long break from work.
• You’ll find your way back into a regular daily routine more quickly.
• You’ll have access to social-educational support.
• Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of participation or an individualized report on your performance and conduct from your program provider.

If you meet the requirements, you can be assigned a Work Opportunity at no cost. You’ll soon be able tosubmitthe corresponding application online here. If you’d like more information about your eligibility or the Work Opportunities assigned to you, you can also schedule a consultation with your Jobcenter. Your case worker will explain the nature, scope, and duration of the work and let you know who you’ll be working for. You will also receive all information regarding the Work Opportunities in writing. Your case worker will guide you through the entire process. Your interests can often be taken into account as well. Processing your application can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks. There are no deadlines.

Important: You are required to notify the Job Center of any changes that affect your eligibility for benefits.