About 500,000 Austrians will receive higher long-term care allowances this year.
Starting from January 30, about 500,000 Austrians receiving long-term care allowances will see a monthly increase of up to 58.30 euros, which represents a rise of 2.7 percent across all seven levels of care compared to last year.
The Ministry of Social Affairs confirmed that payments, such as pensions, are made retroactively around the first of each month. In January 2026, payments will be made on the 30th of the month, as the first falls on a weekend. The care allowance is distributed twelve times a year, without tax deductions or health insurance contributions.
The Lower Austria Chamber of Labor (AK) highlighted that family caregivers will also benefit from an increase in the allowance. For beneficiaries at care level 4 and above, the allowance rises from 130.80 euros to 134.30 euros this year, providing additional support for families.
Care levels are determined based on the number of care hours required monthly, starting from level 1 (65 hours or more) to level 7 (more than 180 hours with complete loss of purposeful movement). Monthly payments increase with each level, reaching 2,214.80 euros at the highest level.
Requests for care allowance must be submitted to the individual's pension institution, and any changes in the level of care must be reported within four weeks. Written requests are submitted in case of an increase in the level of care to ensure accurate monthly payments.