Social Minister Korinna Schumann of the SPÖ has presented the 'Sozialhilfe neu' reform draft. During a Monday press conference, leaders from Caritas, Diakonie, and Volkshilfe warned the proposal fails to include the promised comprehensive basic child security.
Caritas Director Klaus Schwertner stated the draft lacks effective measures to halve poverty and fails to standardize social assistance nationwide. He noted the plan allows for varying benefit levels for children, potentially worsening conditions for the vulnerable.
With 395,000 minors at risk of poverty in Austria, critics argue the 2030 goal to halve child poverty will be missed under this law. Minors remain the largest group receiving social assistance, yet this reform excludes the SPÖ's key campaign commitments.