Volunteering - Frequently Asked Questions

The Lower Saxony Ministry of Finance has commented on a number of income tax issues for volunteers. Among other things, there are references to the lump sum for exercise leaders and the lump sum for voluntary work. The article can be viewed here.

We recommend that you also clarify the tax liability of a volunteer on an individual basis. One option would be to contact the relevant tax office.

People of all ages can get involved in a wide range of areas, help shape things and contribute their skills and expertise. Teenagers, young adults, adults, senior citizens - volunteering brings people together and is open to everyone.

Whether in church institutions, environmental organizations, sports and cultural associations, charities, in the preservation of local traditions and customs, in the healthcare sector, in civil protection and disaster control, in child and youth welfare, in supporting people with a migrant background or much more.

Whether as a permanent activity, as a temporary project or as one-off support... The opportunities and forms of volunteering in Wolfsburg are as diverse as the people involved.

Some jobs require special skills, such as knowledge of foreign languages or manual skills. Sometimes the required skills must also be proven - for example, a driving license or training as a trainer.

Only the organization looking for volunteers can determine which requirements are needed for which activity.

Certificate of good conduct in honorary office

Certificates of good conduct that are required for voluntary work in a non-profit or comparable organization are generally free of charge. In addition, fees are also waived if volunteers receive an expense allowance for their work. The amount of the expense allowance is irrelevant.

The waiver of fees is particularly important for volunteers working with children and young people, who often have to submit an "extended" certificate of good conduct before starting their work.

There are many attractive opportunities to volunteer in Wolfsburg. On the digital platform mein.wolfsburg.de (link)
organizations present themselves with fields of activity. The search and offer marketplace there contains current offers and you can also post your own requests. You can also follow the Instagram channel for volunteering: wolfsburg_unbezahlbar. Helpers are also advertised here from time to time.

A brochure entitled "Stark im Ehrenamt" (Strong in Volunteering), which is available in the Town Hall A, rounds off the offer.

You can also take the opportunity to approach people in your area who are already involved and may be looking for further support.

A few considerations in advance can help you to find a suitable volunteering opportunity. The clearer the agreements are between you and the organization in question, the lower the risk of being disappointed in your later work. Here you will find a checklist of questions that can help you in your search for a suitable volunteer position.

Volunteering and benefits under the Employment Promotion Act (AFG) are not mutually exclusive as long as the voluntary work is not disguised gainful employment and the work can be terminated at any time. It is important that the voluntary work does not hinder professional integration.

If you wish to volunteer, it is advisable to discuss the activity, amount of time and expense allowance with the case worker or case manager at the Jobcenter beforehand.

The reimbursement of travel expenses incurred in connection with volunteer work is the responsibility of the organization for which the volunteer work is carried out.

The type and scope of reimbursements depend on the financial resources of the organization and therefore vary greatly. Reimbursements are not always possible. It is important to clarify possible benefits from the sponsor before taking up voluntary work in order to avoid unnecessary disappointment.

The payment of expense allowances is also agreed individually between the volunteer and the respective organization. There are areas in which the payment of expense allowances has become a matter of course and is also based on clear legal regulations (for example, the payment of a lump sum for trainers in the sports sector). In other areas, there are no or very different regulations.

In projects to establish intergenerational or cross-generational voluntary services, expense allowances are also frequently paid.

Larger organizations and associations generally also take out liability and accident insurance for their volunteers or register them with the relevant employers' liability insurance association.

For volunteers who are not insured through the institution or association and have not made private provisions, the state of Lower Saxony has concluded framework agreements with the Hannover Insurance Group (VGH) for subordinate accident and liability insurance cover. Information on insurance cover for voluntary work and on the VGH framework contracts can be found at www.freiwilligenserver.de.

In any case, it is important to clarify which insurance benefits can be claimed if necessary before taking up voluntary work - and who the specific contact person is in the event of a claim.

In principle, honorary activities do not require a written agreement. However, written agreements are also possible to illustrate agreed contents. The engagement partners - institution and volunteer - should jointly agree on which form of agreement should apply.

The situation is different for voluntary services (FSJ/FÖJ and BFD), which require a written agreement before the start of the activity.

A voluntary activity is based on absolute voluntariness and can therefore be terminated at any time. This circumstance is very significant for the unemployed, for example, since voluntary activities must not hinder the taking up of regular employment.

Something else can apply to voluntary services. Here, the contractual regulations must be observed. In general, it is recommended that volunteers and assignment sites agree on a certain level of commitment in order to be able to plan and implement activities and projects in a meaningful way.

In principle, volunteering in your free time should be carried out according to your personal possibilities.

Examples:

People who volunteer in youth work in Lower Saxony and hold the Youth Group Leader Card (JULEICA) or would like to qualify for the JULEICA are entitled to time off work for a maximum of twelve working days per calendar year. The leave of absence can be spread over a maximum of three events per year and is not transferable to the following year. However, the continued payment of remuneration is at the discretion of the employer, which is why it is not possible to speak of "special leave" across the board. Details can be found in the "Gesetz über die Arbeitsbefreiung für Zwecke der Jugendpflege und des Jugendsports".

Voluntary assignments in civil protection and fire departments are exempted with pay. The employer can apply for reimbursement of the costs incurred from public funds. Details can be found in the "Lower Saxony Civil Protection Act" and the "Lower Saxony Fire Protection Act".

Employees are also released from work for legally regulated honorary positions as lay assessor or judge. Loss of earnings is not borne by the employer but is reimbursed by the court on application. Regulations on this can be found in the "German Judges Act", Part One, Section Six and in the "Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act", Section Four.

Many volunteer centers and institutions train their volunteers themselves and allow their volunteers to take part in continuing education programs. In addition, the Lower Saxony Volunteer Academy and Wolfsburg's educational institutions, such as the Wolfsburg Adult Education Center (VHS), the Protestant Family Education Center (Fabi) and the Protestant Adult Education Center (EEB), offer numerous support and qualification opportunities.

Information on the educational institutions and the qualification and further training opportunities can be found under the corresponding tabs at www.wolfsburg.de/engagiert.