Tyrol reforms minimum security: fairer, fairer, future -oriented!

Tyrol reforms minimum security: fairer, fairer, future -oriented!

On September 11, 2025, the Tyrolean state government announced a comprehensive reform of minimum security, which is due to come into force in the coming year. The central point of this reform is the covering of the amounts for large families to ensure that the amounts received do not exceed the income. In addition, there will be a fundamental system change for those entitled to subsidiary protection: In the future, they will no longer be entitled to minimum security, but will receive basic care instead. This project aims to create "distribution justice" and to establish minimum security as a transitional aid instead of considering them as a permanent solution. This reform is also intended to create incentives to work and promote the willingness to perform, which increases the employment rate and relieves public budgets, such as the Tyrolean state government Tirol.gv.at.

Governor Anton Mattle emphasized that a noticeable difference between working and minimum security recipients should be created. Excessive individual cases that lead to "envy debates" should be avoided by these changes. Deputy governor Philip Wohlgemuth (SPÖ) has also promised that the minimum security is not canceled or cut; The goal of this reform is a fairer distribution and not saving.

Corner points of the reform in detail

The reform also stipulates that support for minimum pensioners is expanded and for people with disabilities. A new calculation logic for minimum security should take into account regional peculiarities, such as the high living and living costs in Tyrol. In addition, there will be a possibility for an increased flat rate of housing costs in regions with high housing costs. Hardfalls should continue to be supported, even if the access provisions for foreigners are designed more strictly. Austrians, EU citizens and entitlements of asylum are excluded from the five-year-old waiting period for strangers, as reported by the [Dolomitenstadt] (https://www.dolomitenstadt.at/2025/09/11/tiroler- Landes government reformed-mindest.

Another important aspect of the reform is the stricter sanctions in the event of regulatory violations that can go until the entire minimum security can be deleted. Social Councilor Eva Pawlata confirmed that hardship cases will continue to be taken into account, while the reform aims to ensure social accuracy and support for the needy. However, criticism comes from the Greens and the FPÖ, which perceive the reform as inadequate and as a "mini reform".

Reactions and outlook

Lebenshilfe has welcomed the planned improvements for people with disabilities, but also demanded further participation measures. While the Fritz list views the reform as the first step, the NEOS consider the adjustment to be overdue. A comprehensive debate among the political parties shows that the reform is considered by different perspectives. The social pact regulates the financing of social benefits between the country and the municipalities and is intended to ensure that the changes after the decision in the Tyrolean state parliament will be effective in 2026. This is intended to adequately look at and implement all concerns.