New social assistance - Announcement from AMS and the government
The outlines of the reform of the 'new social assistance' system in Austria are gradually becoming clear. The Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice - AMS) and social authorities have announced plans to collaborate more closely to help individuals return to the labor market more efficiently and quickly.
After the first round of talks held in September, representatives of the federal government, local authorities, and social policy experts met again on Thursday afternoon to discuss the progress made. The meeting focused on reviewing the reports of the existing working groups and exploring ways to enhance cooperation between AMS and local social welfare offices.
According to the participants, the meeting was characterized by a spirit of understanding, and all parties agreed on a common goal: to improve administrative procedures and ensure that individuals receive faster and more effective support in finding job opportunities. This step aims to reduce bureaucracy and enhance the connection between social welfare services and employment efforts.
Officials confirmed that the reform is not limited to structural changes alone, but also aims to ensure a smoother transition from the social assistance system to stable employment. Cooperation between the AMS and welfare offices is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal, through data exchange and joint coordination in case management.
Work on the reform will now continue at the technical level, where the proposed practical measures will be prepared and developed. The next official meeting to assess progress is scheduled for December, in a new step towards reshaping the social assistance system in Austria for the future.