For all those who work alongside their studies there are a few things to keep in mind, such as insurance or BAföG.
There are different types of employment. Here are some examples:
Working student regulation An assessment as a working student* can be made if the study is in the foreground and the employment is regularly carried out for no more than 20 hours per week.
Marginal employment is possible for incomes below 450 € per month
Short-term employment Temporary work, not exceeding three months or 70 working days per calendar year with regularly more than 20 hours per week.
Employment subject to compulsory insurance If the time scope of the working student regulation is exceeded and more than 26 weeks in total in the calendar year with regularly more than 20 hours of work per week
Self-employment Some typical student occupations are handled in this way. With this type of employment, health insurance companies must take into account that the main focus is on studies and that self-employment or commercial activities are not considered „professional“, because then the voluntary health insurance for self-employed persons would apply. On the other hand self-employed persons are obliged to submit an income tax return. Fiscal and for BAföG (income limit deviates! see below) only the profit is interesting the amount that results after deduction of all operating costs (collect receipts!).
Whoever works while studying should in any case observe income limits so that other benefits are not reduced or cancelled.
Who receives BAföG, may earn within fixed allowances free of charge. If the allowances are exceeded, BAföG is reduced proportionately. Changes in income must always be reported to the BAföG office, otherwise there is a risk of reclaiming the money. There are additional allowances for children and spouses (taking into account their own income) of trainees. The allowances do not apply to internship semesters and prescribed internships.
- BAföG and non-autonomous employment within the approval period (duration of the BAföG decision) 5,400 € in total (monthly average 450 €).
- BAföG and income from self-employment is calculated separately up to a maximum of €4,410 in pre-tax profits during the approval period (monthly average €367.50). One problem with the calculation: the period of approval does not correspond to the tax assessment period (usually the calendar year).
In the case of family insurance in the health insurance scheme for people who are in education and under 25 years of age or as a spouse, a limit of €405 or €450 per month is set for the income credit, even if the income is earned from marginal employment. Short-term employment with higher income than 450 € per month is possible (the health insurance companies can provide information here).
Part-time employment (which also includes marginal employment) is also subject to employee rights such as:
- holiday entitlement
- continued remuneration in the event of illness
- Entitlement to special payments (Attention: Special payments may, under certain circumstances, cause the negligibility threshold to be exceeded or be credited against benefits under the BAföG)
- Protection in the statutory accident insurance
Use the open office hours for a personal consultation StuBS consulting offer.
The consultations are introductory information and do not replace legal advice from a lawyer. The consultations are subject to confidentiality and can be conducted anonymously.