Upper Austria warns of costs in new social assistance plan

Upper Austria has warned of “enormous” extra costs in the disability sector under a proposed social assistance reform and is reserving the right to take legal action, ORF reports. More than 35 submissions had been received by Thursday evening, with criticism also coming from other states, advocacy groups and aid organisations.

The state government objects to planned improvements for people with disabilities, including doubling the amount of assets they can hold without affecting their benefits. The draft would also remove the obligation to pursue possible maintenance claims against the parents of adults with disabilities.

In its submission, Upper Austria said public assistance should only be provided after other options have been exhausted. It also raised constitutional concerns.

Critics have also questioned the three-week consultation period. The Public Employment Service (AMS) called it too short, while the Constitutional Service in the Federal Chancellery said consultations usually last six weeks.

Aid organisations say the draft puts financial pressure on people receiving support. Diakonie said the goal of reducing poverty was at risk. Recognised refugees would initially receive only 861 euros a month, a sum that aid organisations say would be barely enough to live on.