Family with 11 children in Vienna: 9,000 euros in social assistance causes excitement!

Family with 11 children in Vienna: 9,000 euros in social assistance causes excitement!

In Vienna, a Syrian family with eleven children caused a stir after it became known that they would receive around 9,000 euros a month in minimum income and benefits. This sum consists of around 6,000 euros in minimum income and 3,000 euros in family allowance, as the “Krone” reports. The case has sparked heated debates about the Austrian social system, particularly the adequacy of social benefits.

Representatives of the ÖVP and FPÖ express clear criticism of the level of benefits. ÖVP politician Matthias Zauner describes the payments as a “slap in the face” to the working population. FPÖ leader Dominik Nepp goes even further and calls for social assistance to be limited to Austrian citizens. In contrast, the Viennese SPÖ points out that large families are generally viewed as a “marginal phenomenon,” since around 58.1 percent of minimum security recipients are families with only one or two children.

Minimum security regulations

It is clear that the topic of social benefits is not new. Since the Basic Social Assistance Act came into force in June 2019, the minimum security has been granted according to certain requirements, such as Ministry of Social Affairs explained. These regulations stipulate that the entitlement to minimum income depends on the income and usable assets of all people in the household. Single people or single parents currently receive 1,209.01 euros, while people aged 25 and over who live together receive 846.31 euros per person.

Minor children can expect to pay 326.44 euros per month. An asset allowance of 7,254.06 euros per adult eligible person in the community of need also applies. However, these regulations are subject to the specific implementation in the individual federal states, although Vienna has already achieved partial implementation in some areas.

Discussion about social justice

The case of the Syrian family is not just an isolated case, but part of a broader discussion about social justice and the distribution of social benefits in Austria. City Councilor for Social Affairs Peter Hacker emphasizes that comparable or even higher benefits are possible in other federal states such as Vorarlberg. This leads to considerations about reforming the social system as a whole.

The political reactions to family benefits therefore highlight the tensions between different political views regarding the distribution of social benefits and support for families in Austria. Critics are calling for a revision of the existing rules, while supporters see the support as necessary to help families in financially difficult situations. The coming months will show whether and in what form the social system will be reformed.

The current regulations and the discourse surrounding minimum income and social benefits show a deep gap in the understanding of justice and support in Austrian society that needs to be bridged.

For further information on the minimum income regulations Social information Vienna a useful contact point.