What role does the AMS play in unemployment in Austria?

The AMS supports job searches and job placement, agrees on necessary steps and processes unemployment-insurance benefits within its area of responsibility.

When should unemployment in Austria be reported?

You should act as soon as the end of your employment is certain and report the unemployment that has actually occurred in good time through the designated channel.

Is unemployment benefit automatically guaranteed in Austria?

No. Entitlement depends in particular on previous insurance coverage and additional personal requirements and must be assessed.

Which changes must be reported to the AMS during unemployment in Austria?

Important changes such as starting work, illness, absence or new contact details should be reported without delay through a suitable channel.

Unemployment in Austria

Unemployment in Austria means that a person who is able to work has no job and is looking for work. The public employment service (Arbeitsmarktservice), usually called AMS, is the central public contact point for job placement, advice and unemployment-insurance benefits. Acting early helps prevent gaps in income and unnecessary difficulties.

Tip

Report an upcoming or actual unemployment situation to the AMS as early as possible and keep your contact details up to date. Secure your employment reference, payslips and documents concerning the end of your employment. Also prepare a simple household budget so that you know your essential expenses while looking for work.

byLena&Tobias

Unemployment can arise after dismissal, the end of a fixed-term employment relationship, a mutual termination agreement or for other reasons. It affects not only income but often also daily routines, insurance and personal security. The AMS is usually used as the name for the public employment service in Austria. It registers people looking for work, places them in jobs, agrees on steps for the job search and decides, within its responsibilities, on unemployment-insurance benefits. Being registered as looking for work and being unemployed are practically important but not completely identical statuses. Anyone who already knows that a job will end can report the upcoming search early, while registering as unemployed concerns the situation that has actually occurred. Unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) is generally based on previous insured employment and additional requirements. If there is no entitlement or it later ends, other forms of support may be considered depending on the person’s circumstances. Anyone receiving benefits must be available to the labor market, attend agreed appointments and take reasonable steps to look for work. Changes such as starting work, illness, travel or changed contact details must be reported to the AMS in an appropriate manner. In addition to job vacancies, the AMS can offer advice, training or other assistance for returning to work. Which support is appropriate depends on work experience, skills, health and opportunities in the regional labor market. The way an employment relationship ends can have practical consequences. Employees should therefore carefully review a dismissal or an offer of a mutual termination agreement before taking binding action. Unemployment is often a transitional phase and not a personal failure. An organized plan involving an overview of finances, applications, further training and support can make it easier to return to employment.