Nowadays it is becoming a common phenomenon to move for work. Some regions, or sometimes entire countries, are less developed, which means there are not enough job opportunities. Therefore, people naturally go elsewhere for work or for better working conditions, especially in terms of the pay they receive. The move is related to finding accommodation. Few employers and companies can provide housing for their workers. In Slovakia, however, you can get benefits from the state if you meet certain criteria.

Labour Office can give you housing benefit if you have been registered as a jobseeker for a certain period of time. There are two types of contributions. Job mobility allowance and job relocation allowance. What is the difference between them?

Job mobility allowance

This allowance is intended to cover a certain amount of the housing costs associated with a change of residence due to employment. The allowance is received for a minimum of six months. You must have been registered as a jobseeker with the the job centre for at least three months. You must apply for the allowance in writing within three months of being removed from the register of jobseekers. To be able to accept your application, they need proof of a change of permanent residence or declaration of temporary residence and a work contract.

The job that is the reason for your move must be at least 50 kilometres away from where you live. Housing grants are provided for monthly rent and expenses related to the use of the dwelling. A written agreement shall be concluded between the Authority and the employee for the grant of the allowance. The allowance shall be granted for a maximum of six months. If the employee was a disadvantaged jobseeker before finding the job, the allowance will be paid for a further six months. The amount of the allowance is 80% of the housing costs, up to a maximum of EUR 400. If they are married and both meet the requirements, it is up to €600.

Who qualifies as a disadvantaged jobseeker?

  • is under 26 and left vocational training at least two years ago and has not had a regular paid job since,
  • is more than 50 years old,
  • has been on the register for at least 12 months,
  • achieved less than a secondary vocational school education,
  • has not had a regular paid job in the 12 calendar months before being registered as a jobseeker (such a job is defined as one that has lasted at least six months),
  • is a third-country national who has been granted asylum
  • is a single adult with one or two people who are on her care dependent,
  • has a disability.

Employment relocation allowance

The Job Centre also provides this allowance to cover the costs of changing residence in order to obtain employment. It is paid for a minimum of six months. The claimant must have been on the register of jobseekers for three months and must apply for the benefit within six months of the date of removal from the register in order for his or her application to be successful. The application for the allowance must be accompanied by proof of change of residence and a work contract. However, this location must be at least 70 kilometres from the place of original residence. Again, a written contribution agreement shall be concluded between the Authority and the employee. The allowance can be used for a maximum of two years for a maximum amount of €4,000. If the claimants are spouses, both of whom meet the length of registration requirements, the amount is €6,000.

If you meet these criteria, you can apply for and use these housing benefits. It’s a good opportunity that a lot of people probably don’t know about. They can help you in case you are interested in our newjobs that we offerin one of the world’s largest automotive conglomerates – Volkswagen Slovakia and the shipping company DHL. However, we have a choice of multiple job offers not only in Slovakia, but also abroad.