Funding for Independent Unemployment Counseling Centers in Lower Saxony

The Lower Saxony state funding program targets legal entities under public and private law that operate non-profit unemployment counseling centers. The goal is to provide unemployed individuals throughout Lower Saxony with low-threshold access to independent and qualified advice that supplements the official structures of the Jobcenters.

Various activities that support the operation and development of independent unemployment counseling centers in Lower Saxony are funded. This includes the establishment, ongoing operation, staff development, and the building and maintenance of networks to improve counseling services and facilitate knowledge exchange.

The state of Lower Saxony offers a non-repayable grant to support independent unemployment counseling centers. The funding amount varies depending on the purpose, with specific amounts for establishment, ongoing operation, and the organization of network or training events. The funding period is applied for annually, with longer initial periods provided for new establishments.

To receive funding, applicants must meet certain legal and substantive criteria. These include submitting a coherent counseling concept, ensuring free and independent counseling, and continuous staff training. There are also specific requirements for cooperation with Jobcenters and transparency towards the approving authority.

The application process for funding independent unemployment counseling centers is conducted annually through the Lower Saxony State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Family. The approving authority makes its decisions within the framework of available budget funds, at its dutiful discretion and taking into account the suitability of the institution for achieving the objectives.

The funding for independent unemployment counseling centers in Lower Saxony is based on a specific guideline from the Lower Saxony Ministry for Social Affairs. This guideline sets the framework and conditions for the granting of subsidies and is supplemented by general administrative regulations to the State Budget Ordinance.