Forthcoming policy developments

More opportunities on the job market for young people with disabilities (Jugendliche mit Behinderung erhalten mehr Chancen am Arbeitsmarkt)

The Government's 2020-2024 programme includes changes to the work capability assessment for young adults and teenagers, to be introduced from 2024. In line with the Youth Entitlement Scheme, disability assessments will now be made at the age of 25. Until then, they will be supported by the Public Employment Service (AMS) without assessment and can receive unemployment benefits based on criteria, regardless of disability. Close cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and regional authorities is crucial, as this group doesn't usually participate in the general labour market. The Ministry of Social Affairs will take the lead in developing tailor-made training and integration measures. In case of employment problems, they will be covered by state security programmes, as opposed to state-provided day structures focusing on care and therapy. These integration measures, which were previously excluded from services, will entail additional costs to be covered by the budget of the Public Employment Service (AMS).