How to Register as Unemployed with the AMS in Austria in 2026

If your employment in Austria ends, one of the most important steps is applying for unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) through the Austrian Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice, AMS). The deadline is strict: applying late can cost you money and create a gap in your insurance coverage. This guide explains how the process works in 2026.

At a glance

• You must submit your application no later than the first day of unemployment, or in certain cases on the following working day.
• You can submit an application online through the Mein AMS platform before you become unemployed.
• You can apply only online through Mein AMS or in person. The procedure is free.
• The competent office is generally the AMS regional office (regionale Geschäftsstelle) responsible for your place of residence.
• Health insurance is generally provided while you receive the benefit.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefit?

In general, you may qualify if you:

• are unemployed, able to work and willing to work;
• are available for job placement (Arbeitsvermittlung);
• are prepared to accept work for a specified minimum amount of time;
• can prove the required minimum insurance period (Anwartschaft); and
• have not used up the maximum period for which the benefit can be paid.

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

Importantly, you are considered unemployed only when all employment relationships covered by unemployment insurance have ended. This also applies to several small-scale jobs (geringfügig) if their combined income exceeds the relevant limit.

How much previous employment is required?

The required insurance period depends on whether you are applying for the first time and on your age:

• First application, over 25: 52 weeks of work covered by unemployment insurance during the last 2 years.
• Repeat application: 28 weeks of work covered by unemployment insurance during the last 1 year.
• Under 25, including a first application: 26 weeks of work covered by unemployment insurance during the last 1 year.

When must you register?

You must submit your application no later than the first day of unemployment. In certain cases, the deadline is the following working day.

For example, if your last working day is Friday, unemployment begins on Saturday. In that situation, you must submit the application no later than the following working day, Monday.

You can also submit your application before unemployment begins through Mein AMS. Registering on time ensures that you apply correctly for the benefit and helps prevent a gap in your pension and health insurance.

Where and how can you apply?

You can apply for unemployment benefit in only two ways:

1. Online through Mein AMS. This is the primary method. You can request access on the Mein AMS start page, by telephone, by email, at the AMS office or through FinanzOnline.
2. In person at the competent regional AMS office, which is generally the office responsible for your place of residence.

The procedure is free. The documents you need depend on your individual circumstances.

If all conditions are met, the AMS will send you a notification stating the beginning and end of your entitlement and the amount of the benefit.

Important: resigning voluntarily

In certain cases, including when you resign yourself, the benefit is not paid during the first four weeks after the employment relationship ends. This is known as a waiting period (Sperrfrist).

What obligations apply?

If you reject a suitable job (zumutbar) offered to you, you lose the benefit for at least six weeks, including after the first refusal. The same can apply if you refuse, for example, a retraining course. If you breach your obligations again, the exclusion period may increase to eight weeks. You must remain available for job placement during the exclusion period.

Small-scale side work alongside benefits from 2026

From January 1, the possibility of earning a small amount through side work (geringfügig) while receiving unemployment benefit or Notstandshilfe has been restricted. It remains possible, for example, for someone who had already carried out the side job for at least 26 weeks alongside their fully insured employment and continues it. Further exceptions apply in cases of a longer benefit period, a long illness or at least four months of AMS retraining.

What if you disagree with the decision?

The relevant deadlines are:

• Requesting a formal decision (Bescheid) about the benefit granted: 3 months from delivery of the notification.
• Submitting a complaint (Beschwerde) against the office’s decision: 4 weeks.
• Preliminary decision by the regional office: 10 weeks.
• Requesting referral to the Federal Administrative Court: 2 weeks.

If you do not request a formal decision within 3 months, the case is considered closed. AMS ombudsman services are available in every province.

Frequently asked questions

Do I receive health insurance while unemployed?

Yes. Health insurance is provided while you receive the benefit, including for you and your family members, with the same services as during employment.

Can I receive unemployment benefit and childcare benefit at the same time?

In principle, yes, but only if you can prove that someone else is taking care of the child, such as a childcare centre, kindergarten or family member, so that you remain available for work without significant restrictions.

Can self-employed people be covered by unemployment insurance?

Yes. You can voluntarily join unemployment insurance by choosing one of three contribution bases. You can leave the scheme at the earliest after eight years.

Is there a fee for applying?

No. The procedure is free.

Practical steps

1. Confirm the date on which your unemployment begins.
2. Prepare your application no later than the first day of unemployment, or the following working day where this rule applies.
3. Submit it through Mein AMS or in person at the competent regional AMS office.
4. Provide the documents requested for your individual situation.
5. Remain available for job placement and comply with AMS appointments, job offers and training requirements.
6. Check the AMS notification carefully, especially the entitlement dates and benefit amount.
7. If you disagree with the decision, observe the applicable deadlines for requesting a Bescheid or submitting a Beschwerde.

This article is based on information available online and is not legal, employment or other professional advice. If you need specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, health professional, employment-law or employment-services specialist, or another appropriate expert.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at