Social assistance in danger: Linzer loses support from vacation photos!

Social assistance in danger: Linzer loses support from vacation photos!

In a sensational case from Linz, Upper Austria, a 50-year-old woman has been drastically shortened her social assistance. The reason for this? Vacation photos that she shared on social media. The competent authority decided to reduce financial support for the woman and her 16-year-old son by 50 %. According to the strict guidelines for social welfare recipients in Upper Austria, it is not allowed to obtain social benefits during the vacation. Helmut Mitter, head of social assistance in Linz, emphasizes: "Vacation is not intended." This decision was followed after the woman had received over 34,000 euros in social assistance since 2015, which caused the authority to check their payments.

Social assistance in Upper Austria serves to support people who are in a social emergency and cannot meet their livelihood independently, as can be seen from the Information about ongoing monthly cash benefits. The legal requirements stipulate that social welfare recipients must adhere to certain rules. Vacation is not permitted for this group, and stays outside of Upper Austria are only allowed to a limited framework. A corresponding notification to the district administration is necessary. Otherwise, social welfare rests during the absence. These strict regulations aim to secure the integrity of the social welfare system and to avoid abuse.

According to the applicable regulations, social welfare recipients must prove that they are actively trying to self -sufficiency. Features such as account statements or information from third parties are used for checking. Every year, around 500 people are confronted with cuts or deletions of their aid. However, the possibility of asking for support again remains if those affected demonstrably strive for their own funds. These regulations were introduced to combat poverty and social exclusion, as reported by the Kosmo . It remains to be seen whether this case will trigger a rethink at the decision -making points.