Existences are at stake

Worrying about AMS money: Fateful weeks for mothers

The young mothers are now eagerly awaiting their court cases. In most cases, a five-figure sum is at stake.

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

Existences are at stake: The first trial concerning the continuing education allowance suddenly reclaimed by the AMS Lower Austria starts on Wednesday in Vienna. If such a process ends badly for a person affected, a repayment of between 10,000 and 20,000 euros is usually due.

Now things are getting serious for dozens of mothers in the country. Because in the case of the money for further training courses that was suddenly demanded back by the AMS Lower Austria, neither the government, the ministry nor the AMS gave in or helped. At least not in Lower Austria - the "Krone" reported.

Suspensive effect will end
Until the ruling, the mothers were able to apply for a deferral of the repayment, which usually amounted to between 10,000 and 20,000 euros. Now the first case, which was scheduled by the Federal Administrative Court in Vienna on Wednesday, November 20, is being watched with suspicion.

Mothers found well-known supporters
Unlike others, however, this woman has not sought the help of the well-known Viennese star lawyer Astrid Wagner or the Second President of the Provincial Parliament Gottfried Waldhäusl. No hearing date has yet been set for other cases.

"From the union's point of view, the court can only make a decision in favor of the young mothers. We have always felt that reclaiming the educational leave allowance was wrong," emphasizes trade unionist Reinhard Waldhör, who continues to stand up for those affected.

In response to an inquiry from the Lower Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS NÖ), they said: "The ball is now in the court's court and we will await the decision."

If there were inconsistencies at the educational institution, the AMS did not carry out proper checks and should not have awarded the funding beforehand. It is absolutely not okay to hold the weakest link harmless now!

Gewerkschafter Reinhard Waldhör

Social fraud task force investigates
One educational institute from Vienna in particular came into the crosshairs of the AMS in this case. Following the report to the Social Fraud Taskforce, the Federal Criminal Police Office has now started an investigation. "Now, for the first time, one of us has been summoned to testify. She had to answer around ten questions," says the women's network, which is hoping for justice in the trials.