Salzburg welfare chief sees merit in reform despite criticism

Salzburg’s social affairs councillor has cautiously welcomed parts of the proposed “New Social Assistance” law, while the Salzburg Poverty Conference says the changes would leave support inadequate as housing costs rise, ORF reports.

Wolfgang Fürweger of the Freedom Party (FPÖ) said the draft contained “good approaches” but needed careful review. He criticised the three-week consultation period, saying it did not give the states enough time to assess the proposals or incorporate feedback. Fürweger called the process a “sham consultation” and proposed that the law take effect on 1 February rather than 1 January 2027.

The Poverty Conference says support would effectively be frozen despite housing costs that some people can barely afford. Board member Torsten Bichler said housing costs in Salzburg were so high that social assistance should provide more help, which he said the reform would not do.

Under the draft, able-bodied applicants would no longer automatically qualify for the full €1,230. Austrian citizens would be entitled to a “basic amount” of €1,016, or 82.6% of the base rate, while recognised refugees would receive €861, or 70%.

Access would also be tightened for people unable to prove they have attended values and language courses. The requirements would not apply to people with disabilities who cannot work, children, people with caregiving responsibilities or pensioners. Those who breach integration requirements or are unwilling to be available for work could face cuts of at least 25%, with benefits potentially withdrawn altogether.

For families, the draft sets nationwide fixed benefit rates for the first child. States would retain discretion over rates for the second to fourth children, while support would fall sharply from the fifth child. Child benefit rates are currently set by each state.

The federal government would set minimum and maximum benefit rates, with states deciding the amount within that range. Fürweger said he did not object in principle to the proposed flexibility.

Salzburg paid €43.5 million in social assistance last year. A low-income single parent with two children currently receives about €1,730 under the state’s rules. The impact of the proposed changes has yet to be calculated. The coalition of the People’s Party (ÖVP), Social Democrats (SPÖ) and NEOS plans to give states six to nine months to implement the revised law. A parliamentary vote is expected in November, according to the government.