In Burgenland, approximately 63,500 people are at risk of poverty, including approximately 14,500 elderly people with a minimum pension. To absorb inflation, the one-off heating subsidy will be increased to a maximum of 700 euros from September. In the future, 3 instead of 5 euros per square meter will be subsidized for housing.
This year, more than 16 million euros will be distributed from the social and climate fund to people in Burgenland who are at risk of poverty. Governor Hans Peter Doskozil estimates that 30,000 households will be affected. “We have put together a package of immediate measures to counter the massive price hikes that threaten the survival of low-income households,” Doskozil said at a news conference on Wednesday. “Although the federal government does not provide sufficient or targeted support, we do not distribute with the watering can, but provide immediate assistance. Burgenland pays the highest compensation prices in Austria.”
Heating subsidy quadrupled
Unlike other countries, the price for energy in Burgenland will not be increased this year. “We can afford that,” says Doskozil. The heating subsidy is significantly increased. Previously, 165 euros was contributed once, but now up to 700 euros for people who do not have more than 979 euros per month at their disposal. “All others are calculated linearly up to the upper limit of the poverty risk,” explains Deputy Leonhard Schneemann. “The minimum amount that will be paid out is 400 euros.” Schneemann expects that more than 6,000 people will take advantage of the full amount of the anti-inflation bonus this year.
Rent allowance significantly increased
Another immediate measure, which can also be requested from the municipality from September, is an increase in housing guidance, the amount of which depends on housing costs and income. The maximum subsidy percentage will be increased from three euros per square meter to five euros, which corresponds to 67 percent. The grant represents a monthly living allowance and is now adjusted automatically. “We’ve worked out a quick, unbureaucratic solution,” says Doskozil. “Payments are automatically increased at the end of September and remitted to all recipients without the need for a new application.”
Help in special situations
2000 people from Burgenland live on the minimum income. For example, if the washing machine breaks down, you can submit an informal request for “help in a special situation” to the municipality. This year, 124 applications have already been processed. The national budget for this is 100,000 euros per year.
Source: Krone
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