Austria’s 2026 Unemployment Crackdown Sparks Backlash from Professionals
Austria is tightening the rules for supplemental earnings while receiving unemployment benefits. Starting in 2026, stricter limits will apply, though some exemptions remain. The changes have already drawn criticism from opposition parties and affected professionals.
From 2025, unemployed individuals can earn up to €551.10 per month without losing benefits. However, by 2026, only four groups will be exempt from these restrictions. Those who have received sickness, rehabilitation, or retraining benefits for at least 52 weeks due to illness will still be allowed limited work. Long-term unemployed people over 50 or those with a disability of at least 50% will also remain exempt.
Under the new rules, individuals who have held supplemental jobs for at least 26 weeks before becoming unemployed can continue this work on a limited basis. But critics argue that many professions—particularly in culture, academia, and journalism—often face longer interruptions between projects. This makes the 26-week requirement difficult to meet.
Markus Koza, the Green Party’s labour and social policy spokesperson, has strongly criticised the changes. He claims the regulations strip professionals of extra income and harm their career prospects. The party has announced plans to submit motions in the National Council to amend the rules. Their proposal includes more exemptions, especially for those in creative, academic, and journalistic fields, as well as participants in AMS training programmes.
The Greens also warn that the ban on supplemental work could push some into bogus self-employment. Without clear verification processes, workers may seek informal arrangements to maintain their income.
The new restrictions take full effect in 2026, with limited exemptions for specific groups. The Green Party is pushing for broader exceptions to protect those who rely on project-based work. If approved, their proposed amendments would allow more professionals to keep earning while receiving unemployment support.
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