Many self-employed people are still suffering now from the consequences of past occupational bans. For the self-employed, like sex workers, Härtefallfonds* (the Hardship Fund) was created to provide financial assistance. Here you can find out how you can get this help and what you need for it.

What documents are necessary for the funding?
For past grants, a personal identification card had to be uploaded online. For Härtefallfonds Phase 4, a cell phone signature* (Handysignatur), rather than ID, is required. If you are insured with SVS* and have a cell phone, you can make an appointment with the insurance company, and they will give you your credentials for the cell phone signature. You also need a social security number, a tax number, and a legal residence in Austria to apply for Härtefallfonds.

Where can I submit the application?
The Chamber of Commerce (WKO) accepts and processes applications for funding. The application to the WKO can ONLY be submitted online.

When can I submit the application?
The funding can be applied for until 02.05.2022.

Which period is funded?
The months of November and December 2021 and January, February, and March 2022 will be funded. You can apply for funding at the end of each month. You can also apply for all 5 months at the same time (until 02.05.2022).

How much money will I get from the grant?
A minimum of 600€ and a maximum of 2000€ per month will be paid out.

What are the requirements for the grant?
You must have experienced at least a 40% loss (= turnover) than in a comparable period. When applying, the money earned in 2021 is compared with a comparable month in 2019. This means that your current turnover will be compared with a previous turnover you have declared to the tax office.

I have not worked as a sex worker in 2019 and do not have a tax assessment. Do I get a subsidy?
Yes, if you have not yet received a notice from the tax office or if you have only started sex work in 2020 (until 31.10.2020), you can also apply. You will then be paid the minimum amount of €600. The same applies if you made a loss through your work, i.e. spent more than you earned.

I did not get Härtefallfonds in phase 1, 2 and 3 because I do not have a tax number. What is a tax number and when do I get one?
You can apply for a tax number at the tax office. When you start working as a self-employed sex worker, you have one month to report this to the tax office. After that you will get a tax number.

If you have any questions, please make an appointment with an advisor at +43 732 776070, e-mail beratung@maiz.at or WhatsApp +43 660 2429154.

*Härtefallfonds/Hardship Fund = name of the funding, since 2020 Härtefallfonds were offered in 3 phases. Since 01.12.2021, phase 4 of Härtefallfonds can be applied for.
*Handysignatur= Online system in Austria, which is often used at authorities instead of the ID card. By entering a code on your cell phone, you can prove your identity. So the authorities know that you are really you.
*SVS= Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed