44% of social assistance recipients in Austria are refugees.
Austrian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs (Karina Schumann) from the Social Democratic Party announced that the reform of the social assistance system is one of the largest projects of the current government, set to come into effect in January 2027. The minister explained during a press meeting held on Tuesday that consultations with the states and relevant authorities are still ongoing, but they are proceeding in good coordination.
Shuman pointed out that the goal is to establish a unified system at the national level, so that all recipients of social assistance who are able to work are monitored by the Austrian Employment Office (AMS) to secure job opportunities for them. She added that a joint working team is currently studying how to exchange data between social assistance offices and the AMS to ensure effective cooperation. The minister said: 'Social assistance should not be a permanent residence for those who can work.'
Schuman also confirmed that the integration phase for migrants before receiving full support is still under negotiation to ensure its compliance with the constitution and European law.
Regarding the children who represent 37% of the total recipients of social assistance, the minister explained that the government is seeking to establish a future insurance mechanism specifically for them. A joint study will be prepared with the Ministry of Family, headed by Minister (Claudia Blackolm) from the Austrian People's Party, to assess the current family support system, and it is scheduled to be completed by mid-2026.
Shoman explained that the idea of securing children relies on providing in-kind support such as school supplies, tutoring, and healthcare, not just direct financial assistance.
According to data from Statistik Austria, the number of beneficiaries of social assistance in 2024 reached approximately 205,781 people, an increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year. In the peak year of 2017, the number was around 240,000 people. Total spending amounted to 1.317 billion euros, equivalent to 0.27% of the gross domestic product.
Shuman said that the government does not seek to reduce the deficit by cutting aid, emphasizing that "responsible policy cannot save at the expense of the poor." She added that recipients also include retirees living alone, single mothers, and individuals whose incomes are not enough to cover their basic needs, stressing that social assistance is "the last safety net."
Statistics show that 70% of social assistance recipients and minimum benefits live in Vienna, where their number reached about 149,188 in 2024, an increase of 5% from the previous year. Schumann pointed out that this is partly due to the rising percentage of migrants in the capital. In other states, benefits are concentrated in major cities like Graz in Styria and the city of Salzburg.
The average monthly assistance is about 505 euros per person, ranging from 431 euros in Burgenland to 522 euros in Vienna. The average duration of receiving support was 9.1 months during 2024, with the lowest in Vorarlberg (7.7 months) and the highest in Vienna (9.4 months).
As for the demographic composition of the beneficiaries, 53% are from third countries, 44% are asylum seekers or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, while only 38% are Austrian citizens. The figures indicate that 80% of beneficiaries receive additional income alongside assistance, such as unemployment benefits or alimony.
The data also shows that 8% of beneficiaries are working with low income, 35% are looking for work, 8% are unable to work, and 7% are retirees, while children make up 37% of the total. The government intends, as part of the new reform, to focus on the working-age group to reintegrate them into the labor market.