Social assistance exceeds one billion euros for the first time
The Austrian government is seeking to reform the social assistance system, but political disagreements are hindering this process. The integration minister from the ÖVP party, Claudia Plakolm, calls for a gradual system based on the number of children, while the social affairs minister from the SPÖ party, Korinna Schumann, opposes setting a cap on assistance, preferring to provide in-kind services instead of cash support.
In 2023, the cost of social assistance reached 1.102 billion euros, a record high recorded for the first time, an increase of 13.4% compared to the previous year, when it was 972 million euros. In 2021, the costs were 966 million euros, according to data from Minister Schumann's office.
In the same year, there was an average of 108,206 "needy groups", which may include one or more individuals within the same family. Among these groups, 15,463 (or 14.3%) were single-parent families with minor children. Notably, about 80,000 of these cases were in the city of Wien (Vienna).
The Ministry of Social Affairs sought to put the figures in their correct context, clarifying that the total cost of social assistance represents only 0.23% of Austria's GDP. In 2022, the percentage was 0.22%, reflecting relative stability. When comparing this figure to the total social spending of 146 billion euros, the share of social assistance and minimum aid does not exceed 0.8%.
However, the forecasts do not indicate improvement, as social assistance has been increased by 4.6% in 2024, which means that expenses will continue to rise. Official statistics for the current year are expected to be published in the third quarter of 2025. Nevertheless, discussions about necessary reforms will resume soon.