SWF Bridging Allowance

The Social and Further Education Fund (SWF) supports commercial temporary employment agencies during so-called downtimes—i.e., periods when temporary workers cannot be deployed temporarily.

In each case, the SWF provides support amounting to 154% of the gross wage or salary paid to the temporary worker during this downtime – including allowances and supplements that can be cut, but only up to the amount of the statutory maximum contribution base (§ 45 ASVG). Non-working hours (vacation, sick leave, time off in lieu, etc.) and periods for which the temporary worker receives a (guaranteed) net replacement rate from short-time work are not included in the calculation basis. 

There are three eligible variants:

1. 1-10 working days standby time + 15 working days retention period

2. 11-15 working days standby time + 20 working days retention period

3. 16-20 working days standby time + 25 working days retention period

Commercial temporary employment agencies that have paid their contributions to the SWF in full and on time in accordance with Section 22d of the AÜG are eligible for support. Support can be applied for several times per calendar year and per temporary worker, provided that the requirements are met.

• The temporary worker's employment/service relationship must have existed for at least one month before the start of the retention period (month of employment).

• Even after the standby period, the employment/service relationship must continue to exist during the intended retention period (retention period).

• A brief interruption of the waiting period due to an unsuccessful attempt to place the temporary worker (max. 1 working day) is harmless.

• The entitlement remains valid even in the event of justified dismissal, unjustified resignation, or termination by the temporary worker before the end of the retention period.

• The retention period of a previous application may not overlap with the month of employment of a new standby period.

The subsidy can be applied for easily and without red tape via "Mein SWF" (SWF service portal) within six months of the end of the standing period.

Payment is made retrospectively to the temporary employment agency – and only after all conditions have been successfully checked. It must be ensured that both the company-related subsidy limits and the de minimis limit are complied with.

Please refer to § 7 of the SWF Benefits Regulations for details. (Link)

Downloads: Checklist and process flow