Get information about voluntary social year

You have finished school and cannot or do not want to start an apprenticeship or study yet? Then do a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ).

For all those who do not want to immediately plunge into professional life or studies, there is the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ).
In voluntary service, you will provide practical assistance in personal and direct contact with people. Your practical experience will be expanded in further qualifications and seminars.
Such a voluntary service usually lasts 12 months and can be extended to a maximum of 18 months and in exceptional cases to 24 months.
You will receive a monthly allowance as well as free food or cost compensation and, if necessary, free accommodation. The contributions to social security (health, pension, long-term care and unemployment insurance) are covered 100 percent by the institutions. You will continue to receive child benefit if you are under 25 years of age.
 

If you would like to complete an FSJ in Hesse, you will find all addresses of the organizations active in Hesse that offer an FSJ (so-called FSJ carriers) on www.fsj-hessen.de in the section "Find an FSJ position".

• Application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae)

Forms available: Yes
Written form required: Yes
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance required: Yes

• They are between 16 and 26 years old
• the FSJ period will end before your 27th birthday
• You have completed compulsory schooling (in Hesse, compulsory schooling ends after the 9th grade)
• You will complete the FSJ for at least 6 months

The FSJ is regulated by law in the Youth Volunteer Services Act (JFDG). The JFDG is a federal law and therefore the regulations laid down here apply nationwide.

An action against this decision may be brought before the competent administrative court within one month of notification

Before you start an FSJ, you need to think about which area you want to get involved in.

• Apply to an institution in good time. Many FSJ providers offer an online form for this purpose. Some institutions require you to submit a written application.
• If necessary, the institution will invite you to an interview.
• If your application is successful, sign a contract. It specifies your place of work and the period of the FSJ.
   

The application deadlines vary from institution to institution. Therefore, it makes sense to get in touch with various FSJ providers in good time.

The processing time varies depending on the carrier and facility.

There are no costs for you.

In addition to the FSJ, there is the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD). There is no age limit here. The Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) is also related to the FSJ. The Voluntary Year of Culture (FSJ Culture) and the Voluntary Year in Political Life/Democracy, in Sport or Abroad are parts of the FSJ.

If you have any questions about the FSJ, please contact the FSJ providers working in Hesse.