AMS in criticism: 38,000 euros owe due to incorrect advice!

AMS in criticism: 38,000 euros owe due to incorrect advice!

Andreas H., a mentally ill man with disabled status, is faced with enormous financial problems. In March 2023, he was terminated by his employer, with the Ministry of Social Affairs (SMS) agreed with the termination. During this legal period, which should be a maximum of six months, the decision was over 15 months. During this time, Andreas H. continued to receive his salary, but after the termination was approved, his employer claimed 38,000 euros. These debts are the result of supposedly incorrect advice from the AMS Lower Austria, which did not provide him with the possibility of a precautionary registration for unemployment benefit.

The public prosecutor's office criticized the procedure of the AMS sharply and found that Andreas H. should have been drawn to the possible consequences of his status. After intervention by the public prosecutor, the AMS finally recognized the application for unemployment benefit retrospectively. The AMS regretted the financial difficulties that have arisen and announced that they made organizational improvements to avoid such mistakes in the future

criticism and necessary changes

The Disabled Administration Act prescribes special procedural steps for dismissals of beneficiaries. In practice, about 80 percent of these cases are solved by comparisons. Nevertheless, the AMS showed the urgent need for better communication and information due to this incident. In particular, the AMS plans to standardize internal processes and better inform people with disabled status about precautionary registrations.

The topic of mental illnesses and their influence on participation in the labor market is becoming increasingly important in this context. According to information from IAB-Forum, mental illnesses are widespread among employment, especially unemployed. Statistics indicate that 34% of the SGB-II performance-related have at least one psychiatric diagnosis, with neurotic, stress and somatoform disorders as well as affective disorders among the most common diagnoses.

mental health as the key to participation

mental health is crucial for the quality of life and social participation. The World Health Organization emphasizes that there is no health without mental health. Nevertheless, people with mental illnesses are often excluded from participation in the labor market. For example, the employment rate for schizophrenia patients is between 10 and 20 percent. In addition, almost 20% of people in workshops for disabled people are also affected by mental illnesses, which makes it even more difficult to switch to the first labor market.

The challenges are clear: Almost half of the unemployed basic security -related beneficiaries have serious health problems. Common efforts are required to improve the professional opportunities for those affected. The case of Andreas H. illustrates how important it is that advice centers not only comply with the legal requirements, but also have an eye on the individual needs of their clients.

The story of Andreas H. is an example of deficits in dealing with mentally ill people in the world of work and the challenges in front of them. Improvements are urgently necessary to ensure a smooth transition for people with disabilities and to promote their participation in society.