On January 1, 2026, the federal government passed the “Future Pact for Volunteering” and thereby improved the legal framework for voluntary commitment. At the same time, some bureaucratic hurdles were reduced.

Increase in the volunteer allowance

Probably the most important change is the increase in the volunteer allowance. Instead of 840 euros, you can now earn up to 960 euros a year tax-free through volunteer work. The instructor’s allowance was also increased from 3,000 to 3,300 euros. In addition to the expenses, the instructor’s flat rate also covers payments for loss of earnings and loss of time.

Requirement: The activity must be non-profit, charitable or ecclesiastical and must be carried out for a legal entity under public law or a non-profit organization – such as a sports coach, choir director or youth group leader. In addition, volunteer work may not account for more than a third of the time spent on a comparable main job.

Do not combine the volunteer flat rate with the trainer flat rate

The volunteer allowance may also be combined with the trainer allowance. However, the person must carry out two different voluntary activities – for example, one as a choir director and one as a trainer in a sports club. Another requirement is that it must be a genuine part-time job.

Anyone who suffers an accident in the course of their voluntary work is usually entitled to benefits from the employers’ liability insurance association or the statutory accident insurance fund. This can be compensation for injuries, household help or money for rehabilitation measures. Statutory accident protection exists, for example, for involvement in churches, aid organizations, the rescue service or in welfare work.

Anyone who works on a voluntary basis in associations is also legally insured against accidents if the activity takes place on behalf of or with the consent of the federal government, states, municipalities or the church. Many people are automatically insured when they volunteer, but not everyone.

Who is liable if something goes wrong?

Anyone who breaks something or accidentally injures someone while doing unpaid work usually does not have to pay for the damage. The insurance company for which you work is liable. Many clubs and charities have taken out their own liability insurance for their volunteers, which also covers financial losses.

Volunteer mayors or members of the volunteer fire department, for example, take on sovereign tasks and are therefore usually covered by municipal liability insurance. However, volunteers are best provided with private liability insurance.

Guideline 240 hours per year

The volunteer card is a thank you and rewards above-average voluntary commitment. The guideline is a commitment of around 20 hours per month or 240 hours per year. With the card, volunteers often receive reduced admission to cultural and leisure facilities such as theaters and museums.

However, the federal states handle the award and the conditions for it very differently. It’s best to check with your municipality or city. As a rule, volunteer cards are limited and must be reapplied for at certain intervals.