Vienna to Eliminate Training Supplement in Minimum Income Support by June

As of June 30, 2025, the city of Vienna will discontinue the enhanced training supplement provided to individuals receiving minimum income support who participate in job training programs through the Public Employment Service (AMS). This decision was announced by city officials on Sunday, and the formal elimination of this provision from the social assistance framework will be addressed in the National Council next week. Following the council's deliberations, regional governments will have four months to implement the necessary legislative changes.

The training bonus, introduced in 2024 under the previous coalition government, allowed social assistance recipients to receive an additional monthly amount of EUR150 or EUR300, depending on the duration of their AMS training programs. However, the city administration has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of this measure, indicating that it may not significantly improve employment integration.

Social Affairs Councillor Peter Hacker stated that the increased training supplement was initially introduced as an initiative without adequate evaluation opportunities. As such, the administration has been cautious about its potential impact on job market integration. Hacker noted that the decision to eliminate this supplement reflects long-standing skepticism regarding its effectiveness, and he welcomed the impending repeal of the measure.

The financial implications of the training supplement have also been a consideration for the city. From November 2024 to June 2025, the implementation of the enhanced training bonuses resulted in additional costs amounting to EUR9.7 million for Vienna. With the planned removal of this supplement, city officials anticipate annual savings of approximately EUR20 million.

Vienna will be the first federal state to enact this change, highlighting the city's proactive approach to social welfare reform. As the legislation progresses through the National Council, stakeholders will be monitoring the potential impacts on social assistance recipients and the overall labor market.