Notstandshilfe 2026: What happens after Arbeitslosengeld runs out?

If your entitlement to Arbeitslosengeld in Austria has ended and you are still unemployed, you may not be left without support. Notstandshilfe can be claimed in a state of need. This guide explains who qualifies, how much may be paid and which rules apply.

In brief

• Notstandshilfe can be claimed after Arbeitslosengeld has been exhausted if you are in a state of need.
• The basic amount is generally 92 percent of your previous Arbeitslosengeld.
• There is no overall time limit, but approval is granted for a maximum of 52 weeks at a time. You must then apply again.
• You can apply online through MeinAMS or in person at the responsible AMS office.
• From 1 January 2026, low-income employment alongside the benefit is permitted only in exceptional cases.

Who can receive Notstandshilfe?

As a general rule, you must:

• be unemployed, capable of working and ready to work,
• be in a state of need,
• be available for job placement,
• no longer be entitled to Arbeitslosengeld,
• submit your application within five years of the last payment of Arbeitslosengeld or Notstandshilfe. In certain cases defined by law, this deadline may be extended.

While receiving the benefit, you generally need to be available for work of at least 20 hours per week. Exceptions apply, for example, in connection with childcare.

What does a state of need mean?

This condition does not apply to Arbeitslosengeld, but it is essential for Notstandshilfe. You are considered to be in a state of need if you cannot cover your basic living expenses while unemployed. Your own financial situation is assessed; the income of family members is not included.

How much is Notstandshilfe?

The amount is linked to the Arbeitslosengeld you previously received:

• General rule: 92 percent of your Arbeitslosengeld.
• If your Arbeitslosengeld, excluding family supplements, was below the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz for single people: 95 percent of your Arbeitslosengeld.

Your own income is also taken into account, so the amount actually paid may be lower than these percentages. Under certain conditions, you may receive a Familienzuschlag and an additional amount during training.

Reduction after a short period of Arbeitslosengeld

If you previously received Arbeitslosengeld for only a short period, the Notstandshilfe amount is reduced after six months through a process known as Deckelung:

• 20 weeks of previous Arbeitslosengeld: reduced to the level of the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz for single people.
• 30 weeks of previous Arbeitslosengeld: reduced to the level of the Existenzminimum.

The calculation is complicated, so there is no online calculator for Notstandshilfe.

How and where do you apply?

You can submit the application in only two ways:

1. online through MeinAMS, which is the primary route, or
2. in person at the responsible regional AMS office, the regionale Geschäftsstelle, usually the office for your place of residence.

The procedure is free of charge. The documents required depend on your individual situation. If your application is approved, you will receive a Mitteilung stating the beginning and end of your entitlement and the amount payable.

When and how is it paid?

The benefit is paid monthly in arrears, usually around the 8th day of the following month. Payment is made either to a bank account or by post to your registered address. For postal payments, the money is deposited at the post office and must be collected within the deadline. If you do not collect it, it is returned to AMS and a payment block takes effect. Payment into a bank account is recommended.

Health insurance is also provided during the period of Notstandshilfe, both for you and your family members.

Reporting duties and interruptions

If you start a new job, you must notify AMS immediately. This also applies to geringfügige Beschäftigung. The following must be reported without delay and no later than within one week:

• changes in your financial circumstances,
• a change of address,
• stays abroad,
• sick leave or hospital treatment,
• any change affecting your entitlement or its amount.

You can report changes electronically through MeinAMS, by telephone, in writing or in person. If you miss a Kontrollmeldetermin without a valid reason, the benefit is not payable from that date until you personally register again.

Suspension and exclusion

Entitlement is suspended, or Ruhen applies, during certain periods, for example while you receive sick pay, stay abroad or complete military or civilian service. This only postpones payment. In justified cases abroad, such as verified job seeking, training or the funeral of a family member, continued payment can be requested for a maximum of three months.

If you reject a suitable job or training offered to you, you lose the benefit for at least six weeks. In the event of a repeated failure, this may increase to eight weeks. If you resign or are dismissed through your own fault, Notstandshilfe is generally not paid during the first four weeks; this is known as a Sperrfrist. The four-week block does not apply when employment ends by mutual agreement.

What are the rules for additional earnings in 2026?

From 1 January 2026, low-income employment alongside the benefit is permitted only in exceptional cases. One example is where you carried out the work for at least 26 weeks alongside employment covered by full insurance and continue it, or where you have received the benefit for 365 days and work for a maximum of 26 weeks. Further exceptions apply to certain groups, including people over 50 after 365 days.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I receive Notstandshilfe?

There is no overall time limit, but approval is granted for a maximum of 52 weeks at a time. You must submit a new application afterwards.

Is my spouse’s income taken into account?

No. The income of family members is not considered when determining whether you are in a state of need.

What can I do if I disagree with the decision?

You can request a formal decision, known as a Bescheid, concerning the amount granted within three months of receiving the Mitteilung. You can lodge a Beschwerde against a refusal within four weeks. Ombudsman services are also available in every province.

Can I receive childcare payments and Notstandshilfe at the same time?

In principle, yes, but only if you can demonstrate that someone else is looking after the child, such as a crèche, kindergarten or family member, so that you remain available to the labour market without substantial restrictions.

Practical steps

1. Check that your Arbeitslosengeld entitlement has ended and that you meet the conditions for Notstandshilfe.
2. Apply through MeinAMS or contact your responsible regional AMS office.
3. Prepare the documents requested for your individual circumstances.
4. Report every relevant change immediately, and no later than within one week where applicable.
5. Keep your Mitteilung and note the end of the approved period, since a new application is required after 52 weeks.
6. Ask for a Bescheid within three months if you disagree with the amount, or lodge a Beschwerde within four weeks against a refusal.

This information is based on sources available online and is not legal or professional advice. If you need specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, health professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant professional.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at