AVGS Voucher: The 10 Most Important Answers

What Is an AVGS Voucher?

The AVGS (Activation and Placement Voucher, Aktivierungs- und Vermittlungsgutschein) is a voucher from the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) or the Jobcenter under § 45 SGB III, with which, after written approval, you can use a program, such as start-up coaching, at an approved provider, 100% funded.

The legal basis is the “measures for activation and vocational integration” (Maßnahmen zur Aktivierung und beruflichen Eingliederung) under § 45 SGB III. The voucher covers the full costs of the program; billing is done directly between the provider and the authority.

Important: provider approval alone is not enough. The specific program must be AZAV-certified and have a valid program number (Maßnahmennummer), otherwise billing is not possible. Our “Businessweg” program (Z-000482-2) is listed in the directory of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).

AVGS or Start-Up Grant: What Is the Difference?

The AVGS and the start-up grant (Gründungszuschuss) are two different types of funding that complement each other well. The AVGS under § 45 SGB III finances the coaching with which you prepare to start your business. The start-up grant under § 93 SGB III secures your living costs for several months after the start. In short: the AVGS comes before the business is founded, the start-up grant at the start.

Many people combine both: first AVGS coaching for a viable business plan, then the start-up grant for the start-up phase. Both run through the Employment Agency and generally require an entitlement to unemployment benefit I (ALG I).

Who Is Entitled to an AVGS?

Unemployed people, employees at risk of unemployment, and people receiving basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, formerly Bürgergeld) can receive an AVGS. With unemployment benefit I, a legal entitlement to a placement voucher for private job placement exists after six weeks of unemployment (§ 45 para. 7 SGB III). An AVGS for start-up coaching, by contrast, is at the agency’s discretion.

The legal entitlement under § 45 para. 7 SGB III applies if you receive ALG I and have been unemployed for at least six weeks within the last three months without having been placed. It applies only to the placement voucher; the start-up coaching as a MAT (measure at a provider) is chosen by the agency at its discretion. In practice, the voucher is regularly issued for a viable project.

People receiving basic income support contact their Jobcenter; funding runs through § 16 para. 1 SGB II in conjunction with § 45 SGB III.

How Do I Apply for an AVGS for Start-Up Coaching?

You apply for the AVGS with your placement specialist at the Employment Agency or Jobcenter, in a consultation or in writing. Justify the need (preparing for self-employment) and name a specific approved program.

In four steps: 1. Book an appointment with the placement specialist. 2. Explain your start-up project and your coaching needs. 3. Name an approved program together with its provider. 4. Redeem the approved voucher with the provider.

If you wish, we support you with the justification and give you our suitable program number.

What Does AVGS Start-Up Coaching Cost?

For you €0. If the AVGS is approved, the Employment Agency or Jobcenter covers the full costs of the program. The start-up coaching is 100% free of charge for you.

The provider bills the authority directly; you pay nothing and take on no financial risk.

How Long Is an AVGS Valid?

An AVGS has a limited validity, often around three months. Within this period you must start the program with an approved provider; otherwise, the voucher expires.

The exact validity period is stated on the voucher. Therefore choose your provider early so that the program starts in time.

What Is the Difference Between MAT, MPAV, and MAG?

AVGS is an umbrella term for three types of programs: MPAV (placement into employment by a private employment agent), MAG (measure at an employer), and MAT (measure at a provider). Start-up coaching is always a MAT, that is, a measure at an AZAV-certified provider.

Legally, start-up coaching is based on “preparation for self-employment” (Heranführung an eine selbständige Tätigkeit) under § 45 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 4 SGB III. For your path into self-employment, the AVGS-MAT is the right type, not MPAV or MAG.

You redeem the voucher with an AZAV-certified training provider, not with a recruitment agent.

Is the AVGS Also Available for Online Coaching?

Yes. AVGS start-up coaching can take place entirely online, provided the provider and the program are approved for it. Our programs can be delivered online nationwide.

This way you can work flexibly and independent of location with your dedicated consultant, without travel, anywhere in Germany.

What Happens If the AVGS Application Is Rejected?

A rejection is not the end. Because the AVGS is a discretionary benefit (Ermessensleistung), a better justification, a new attempt, or a conversation with a different placement specialist is worthwhile. We support you with your arguments.

An appeal (Widerspruch) against a rejection decision is generally possible. Alternatively, coaching is also conceivable as a self-payer or through other funding routes.

Can I Also Get the AVGS With Basic Income Support?

Yes. People receiving basic income support (ALG II) can also receive an AVGS; the Jobcenter is then responsible instead of the Employment Agency. In combination with the entry allowance (Einstiegsgeld) under § 16b SGB II, this results in a strong funding mix.

AVGS coaching covers the preparation; the entry allowance additionally secures your living costs in the start-up phase.

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