If you would like to get involved for the common good outside of work and school, you can complete a Federal Volunteer Service.

You can do your federal voluntary service in social, ecological and cultural areas, in the field of sport, integration or in civil protection and disaster control. You can choose the area, location and place of volunteering yourself.

The following key points apply to the Federal Volunteer Service:

• The standard duration is 12 months, with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 18 months. In exceptional cases, assignments of up to 24 months are also possible (for example, if there is a special educational concept).
• If you are older than 27, you can also complete the Federal Volunteer Service on a part-time basis (at least 20 hours per week).
• You will receive pocket money: The maximum amount is currently EUR 390.00 per month.
• Your social security contributions and statutory accident insurance are paid by the assignment location.
• If you complete the 12-month Federal Volunteer Service, you are generally entitled to unemployment benefit.
• If you are under the age of 25 and are doing Federal Voluntary Service, your parents can receive child benefit or tax-free allowances for you.
• The basis of the assignment is the conclusion of an individual agreement between you and the Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA).

The first six weeks of the service are considered a trial period. The service can be terminated during this period with two weeks' notice. After the probationary period, the notice period is four weeks to the 15th or the end of the month. In addition, the employment relationship can also be terminated prematurely for good cause - for example, due to the start of vocational training or studies.

During the period of service, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Youth Employment Protection Act as well as the provisions of the Federal Leave Act apply. For example, if you serve for twelve months, you are entitled to 24 days' leave.

Work clothing, accommodation and meals can be provided or the costs of these can be reimbursed.
In terms of social insurance, the Federal Volunteer Service is treated in the same way as an apprenticeship. Contributions to pension, accident, health, long-term care and unemployment insurance are paid by the place of assignment.

Up to 10,000 new BFD places are made available each year as part of the special program "Federal Volunteer Service with a Reference to Refugees". These places must be related to refugee aid. This means that the assignment must be in refugee aid or the service must be performed by refugees.