Viennese Brigitte G got a shock. She should actually receive 300 euros inflation compensation in September – about 86,000 Viennese too. The urgently needed money will remain with the social services for the time being. Not an isolated case.
As a recipient of social assistance benefits, Brigitte G. looked forward to the federal government’s adjustment of the cost of living of 300 euros in September. Austrians in particular need are entitled to this (unemployment benefit, emergency aid, social assistance). Now the shock: “The social services have reduced my monthly support for September by these 300 euros (see below). So am I falling over?” asks the 56-year-old. With the MA 40, the Viennese was unanswerable.
So she turned to the “Krone”. And even we – who are actually used to dealing with authorities – sometimes hit our limits.
No coordinated approach
Three days, countless phone calls and written questions later, then an attempt at explanation: Payment of living expenses is a matter for the states. In Vienna, this is done by several bodies (AMS, PVA, ÖGK and MA 40) – there is no common body that has an overview. The authorities also do not exchange information.
This can result in double payouts. Preventing this is apparently the task of MA 40. In the case of Mrs G. this means: instead of 392 euros, she only gets 92 euros this time. The remaining 300 euros will be retained by MA 40 “just in case”. for now.
“Will have to request deferment of payment”
“You get the money two to three weeks later,” explains a Social Security spokeswoman. That’s how long it takes to verify that all payments have been made correctly. Why not do that in advance? “Because the law does not provide for that,” said the spokeswoman. Mrs. G. is not an isolated case.
The Ministry of Social Affairs estimates (!) that about 86,000 Vienna are benefiting from the cost-of-living adjustment – and are currently in the dark as well. It can hardly be more complicated. Brigitte G.: “If I don’t get the money, the fixed costs will be tight at the beginning of the month. I am now going to request deferment of payment for rent, internet and electricity.”
Source: Krone
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