Social Security in Austria

The Austrian social safety is based on the following three pillars:

1. Social insurance

• Health insurance
• Accident insurance
• Pension insurance
• Unemployment insurance

This insurance is compulsory for employees and mainly financed by contributions of employees and employers. Benefits are granted on fulfilment of the conditions for entitlement.
You are automatically covered by the Social Insurance as soon as you take up occupation. Social insurance contributions are calculated on the basis of your income, deducted by your employer and paid over to the local tax office. You will then get a national social security number, which you will need to make use of health insurance services.

2. Public assistance

• Family benefits (child benefit, care benefit, maternity benefit, etc.)

These state supports are financed by general taxation. Benefits are granted on fulfilment of certain legal provisions.

3. Social welfare

• Disability benefits
• Retirement and care homes
• Monetary assistance, etc.

These parts of the social security system are financed by general taxation, too. In cases of need or emergency, they will be provided as subsistence minimum.

For further information:

The Main Association of Austria Social Security Institutions