Unemployment > One-Euro-Job

The One-Euro Job

Definition, Explanation

Tips, Checklist

Definition, Explanation

In the scope of Hartz IV, the so-called one-euro jobs were created for those claiming social security. In officialese, these are called additional jobs or "working opportunities with extra compensation". This should give unemployed persons the possibility to earn a little money in addition to social security and actively participate in working life again. The stated aim is to find the way into permanent employment through this job.

One-euro jobbers are paid about one to two euros an hour, which is defined as extra compensation Social security and the expenditures for accommodation and heating are still paid for. Even the health, nursing care and national insurance are paid for by the Federal Employment Agency as before.

The maximal working time is 30 hours a week. If someone works more than 15 hours a week in a one-euro job, then he is no longer listed in the statistics of the Federal Employment Agency as unemployed. Such a job usually lasts 6 to 9 months. The money paid is tax-free, whereby however, expenditure like travel expenses cannot be written off against tax. The unemployed person is covered by the employer's insurance.

A contract of employment is not concluded. Instead of that, you receive a job-related plan stating the begin, duration, place, scope and distribution or the working time, contents of employment, the amount of extra compensation, industrial safety, liability, accident insurance and leave.

In order to prevent regular jobs from being destroyed by these cheap jobs, one-euro jobs may not be under an employment contract but must be of public interest, be in addition, neutral to competition and be purposeful with regard to the job market. Charitable work and jobs of a temporary nature are what result. Among these are looking after parks, neighbourhood help, youth and senior help. The providers of such jobs are cities/towns, municipalities or public institutions. The Federal Employment Agency offers these jobs to the unemployed. If the job is not taken on, social security can be reduced.

Tips, Checklist

• Be careful when refusing a one-euro job. Clarify the expected consequences with your case manager at the Federal Employment Agency
• Get informed about accident protection and accident insurance
• Clarify on accepting the job to what extent a normal employment contract is and planned
• Regulate working time and scope of work with the employer as if it were a normal job
• Have an employer's reference handed out on termination of the job
• Make use of the time to make contacts and obtain further competences
• If you fall sick, you must inform the Federal Employment Agency immediately and present your employer with a doctor's sick note

Last update: 01/12/2010