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AMS additional earnings cut with 2026 – What will change for the unemployed from 2026 onwards

As of January 1, 2026, it will no longer be possible to earn a small amount of additional income while receiving unemployment benefits or emergency assistance. Only in a few exceptional cases will it still be possible to earn additional income.

On June 16, 2025, the National Council, with the votes of the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, decided to end the possibility of earning additional income alongside unemployment benefits and emergency assistance. The decision was made as part of the 2025 Budget Accompanying Act. From 2026, unemployed people will have to choose between unemployment benefits and marginal employment—it will no longer be possible to have both at the same time. Anyone who takes on marginal employment will lose their entitlement to unemployment benefits. Anyone who wants to keep their unemployment benefits may not take on such a job. Taking up or continuing marginal employment (as an employee or as a self-employed person not subject to social insurance contributions) while receiving unemployment benefits will only be possible in the following exceptional cases without losing entitlement to benefits.

  • If marginal employment has already been carried out continuously for 26 weeks alongside fully insured employment, it may be continued. So, for example, if someone has already been continuously employed on a marginal basis (as an employee or self-employed person) alongside their regular job, they may continue this (and only this) employment.
  • After receiving unemployment benefits (emergency assistance) for 365 days, minor employment may be carried out for a period of 26 weeks.
  • After receiving unemployment benefits (emergency assistance) for 365 days, marginal employment may be pursued if the person has already reached the age of 50 or has a disability (disability pass). The pursuit of marginal employment is not limited to 26 weeks.
  • After at least 52 weeks of illness (receipt of sickness, rehabilitation, or debt restructuring benefits), marginal employment may be pursued for 26 weeks.

If none of the exceptions apply, you must deregister from unemployment benefits for the duration of your marginal employment.