Basic-support recipients in Styria fall by 29 percent

The number of people receiving basic support in Styria has fallen by nearly 30 percent since the end of 2024, according to broadcaster ORF. State councillor Hannes Amesbauer of the FPÖ attributed the decline to the state’s new basic-support law.

A total of 7,898 people were receiving support on December 30, 2024. By August 12, 2026, the figure had fallen to 5,573, a decrease of 2,325 people, or 29.4 percent.

The decline was particularly marked among displaced people from Ukraine.

Since the law was reformed, access to support has been tied more closely to cooperation and personal responsibility, the FPÖ said. Displaced people who are able to work and have access to the labour market must document their efforts, submit a support agreement with the AMS and meet requirements such as applying for jobs or attending training. They must also accept suitable job offers. Benefits can be reduced or stopped if they refuse.

Amesbauer said basic support should not become an unconditional, permanent benefit. People who can work and have access to the labour market must make serious efforts to become self-sufficient, he said.

The available basic-support data alone does not show whether those affected have left Styria or moved into employment, the FPÖ said. After a sufficient observation period, the state plans to examine the issue with the AMS and assess whether there have also been measurable changes in employment and job searches among displaced Ukrainians.