On May 15, the WKÖ sent out a notice that stated that it will be possible to apply for support from the Hardship Fund for the second “Corona Month” (from 16 April to 15 May 2020) using the application form from 16 May 2020 and on.
Here is a link to the form.
Further information, such as the most frequently asked questions, can be found on the WKÖ website (in German).
As a reminder, an overview of all available support measures can be found (in German) at the WKÖ Coronavirus Info Point.
On that website, you will also find information about the fixed cost subsidy (Fixkostenzuschuss) from the Corona Aid Fund (Corona-Hilfs-Fonds), which companies of all sizes can apply for from 20 May 2020 and on. More info is available (in German) on this page.
Please note that the text of the guidelines states that “Payments received from reduced working hours (Kurzarbeit) are not included in the calculation of the subsidy. Payments received from the hardship fund (Härtefall-Fonds) will only be included for applications submitted from 19 August 2020 and on.” The website contains the full (German) guidelines.
This subsidy is primarily intended to cover operating costs, such as rent & lease, electricity, gas and telecommunications, interest and insurance expenses or to cushion the loss in value of seasonal and perishable goods.
