Social Security Obligation Before Starting Vocational Training (Ausbildung)
In Germany, individuals engaging in activities deemed subject to social security must contribute to the social security system. This regulation also affects prospective trainees when they work before starting their vocational training (Ausbildung) and earn more than the mini-job threshold of 520 euros per month. Otherwise, only minor employment is exempt from social security.
Health Insurance for Prospective Trainees
Before the start of a vocational training (Ausbildung), prospective trainees are usually covered by family insurance as long as they are under 25 years old and do not engage in socially insurable activities. However, if they start a job subject to social security before their vocational training (Ausbildung), they must secure their own health insurance and pay health insurance contributions.
Pension Insurance Obligation During Employment
The obligation to pay into pension insurance applies to prospective trainees working in a socially insurable job before their vocational training (Ausbildung). These contributions count towards future retirement savings. A mini-job prior to the vocational training (Ausbildung) is only subject to pension insurance if the employee does not opt out of its obligation.
Unemployment Insurance and Future Security
Employment before starting vocational training (Ausbildung) can lead to contributions to unemployment insurance. This is beneficial, as having an existing employment relationship before the vocational training (Ausbildung) creates an obligation for unemployment insurance and may enable a claim for unemployment benefits if the training does not begin shortly or if employment afterwards cannot be found.
Long-Term Care Insurance as Part of Social Contributions
Long-term care insurance is also part of the social security obligation. Trainees who take up a socially insurable job before their vocational training (Ausbildung) also pay into long-term care insurance. Family insurance covers this area as long as the trainee is still family-insured; otherwise, individual contributions apply.
Special Regulations for Internships and Transitional Jobs
For individuals engaging in internships or transitional jobs between school and vocational training (Ausbildung), specific regulations apply. Internships that are mandatory under training or study regulations are exempt from social security. Voluntary internships and transitional jobs, however, become subject to social security if income exceeds the mini-job threshold.
Registration with a Statutory Health Insurer
Prospective trainees who work in a job subject to social security before starting their vocational training (Ausbildung) must independently register with a statutory health insurer. They then choose an insurance provider and establish membership, provided they are not able to remain under family insurance. The health insurer then handles notifications to other branches of social security.
Applying for a Social Security Number
A social security number is necessary to work in a socially insurable job in Germany. This number is generally applied for automatically by the health insurer through the pension insurance provider if the individual did not have a social security number before. It remains valid for life and must be presented to the employer.
Proof of Family Insurance
Those covered by family insurance through their parents until vocational training (Ausbildung) should provide the health insurer with proof of this family insurance. This is especially relevant if a job is performed below the mini-job threshold, where no personal health insurance is needed. If coverage is mandatory, proof of independent health insurance must be provided.
Notification to the Employer
In cases of social security-obligated employment before vocational training (Ausbildung), it is required to submit the membership certificate of the health insurer as well as the social security number to the employer. The employer will then handle the registration for social security and deduct contributions directly from the salary.