For five months, a woman from the Vöcklamarkt in Upper Austria received a family from Ukraine in her house. But instead of the promised 300 euros, she suddenly received a completely different amount. She tells her story in the “Krone”.
“I’m just extremely disappointed that we can be laid like this,” a 36-year-old from Vöcklamarkt is not at all in the mood when it comes to domestic politics. On May 4, the mother of four took in a Ukrainian family of three who had fled Kiev and housed them until the end of September. Then the refugees moved to large neighborhoods because they no longer wanted to claim hospitality.
An amazing experience
“You stayed in our guest room with private bathroom. Both parents worked online and the daughter was also taught online. We shared the kitchen and living room, they often ate with us. It was a great experience. But the way we were treated when we applied for the promised €300 in support was amazing.”
What happened?
The application has been duly submitted to Volkshilfe. But in the end, the Ukrainians only got 123 euros a month, which they passed on to their families. “Politicians had communicated that operating costs of up to 300 euros could be charged for two IDPs in the household. In reality, the documents that the landlord submits to Volkshilfe and which are then sent to the basic care of the state are checked very carefully. After this review, an amount is determined that will be paid out,” explains Andreas Schmolmüller of Volkshilfe.
“Probably not signed a lease”
Edin Kustura from the Office of the Integration Provincial Council Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer says: “The financial benefits for accommodation providers are the same throughout Austria: housing benefit, a rental contract is a precondition for this. There is a maximum of 150 euros per month for individuals and a maximum of 300 euros for families. The lady in question probably did not sign a rental contract, but a precarious one.” In this specific case, the woman as landlord may only charge actual costs and not rent. Aid organizations are instructed to draw attention to this on the spot.
In Upper Austria, 7211 displaced persons from Ukraine are registered. 6355 stays in basic care, of which 5419 in private residences. Currently, more housing is needed again – especially in the center – as the state of Upper Austria expects that after a few months of housing, there will also be requests from the housing providers or the displaced persons for change.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
