Payments to Ukrainian refugees in Austria: how much and how to get/Embassy of Ukraine in Austria
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Ukraine has been forced to leave millions of Ukrainians who have become refugees. Almost a hundred thousand Ukrainians have chosen Austria as a place of temporary shelter. Read about the peculiarities of the life of Ukrainian refugees in Austria in the material of Channel 24.
For a small Alpine country with a population of less than 9 million people, the unplanned arrival of 100,000 IDPs from Ukraine was a serious test. First of all, for the financial system of Austria, but the Austrians themselves warmly welcomed Ukrainian refugees and are doing everything to help.
Austria provided temporary protection to everyone and organized centers to help Ukrainians, social benefits, offered assistance for renting a house.
Cash allowance for food
The monthly allowance for food is 215 euros for adults and 100 euros for a child . This is subject to private or individual accommodation.
Rental Cash Allowance
The monthly allowance is 150 euros per person and 300 euros per family. This is the so-called Mietzuschuss, that is, a subsidy.
This amount is not enough for rent, because prices start at about 400 euros.
Austria welcomes Ukraine's EU candidate status/Photo – Embassy of Ukraine in Austria
Undercurrents
It is believed that for a relatively normal life in Austria, a family of 2 people needs at least 1200 euros, so it should be understood that state assistance is not able to cover this amount.
Also on refugee forums, some people complain about bureaucratic obstacles in obtaining assistance, as well as delays in payments. We hope that these are only special cases that are not systemic.
Conditions for receiving money
The condition for receiving assistance is official registration with the local police and registration status and registration with local governments. There you will receive an Ausweis für Vertriebene (this is the ID card that will become your main one in Austria, and yes, this is the Ausweis).
Austria sheltered almost 100,000 Ukrainians/Photo – Vienna City Hall
After that, you get the right to live, access to the labor market, medical services and social assistance.
Once registered as a “temporarily displaced person”, a person is assigned an insurance number as proof of health insurance; it can be used to process an e-card replacement at the customer service points of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).
The housing subsidy is calculated ex post after the conclusion of the rental contract. Money can be received on a card or in cash.
Attention! The status of a temporarily displaced person is granted per year, but with the possibility of renewal. This right of residence is currently valid until at least March 3, 2023 and can be extended if necessary.
Are there other options for assistance
Yes.
There are many charitable foundations and charitable organizations in Austria. The war in Ukraine did not leave anyone aside, and therefore the Austrians are actively helping the Ukrainians.
The Catholic Foundation Caritas Österreich is doing a great deal of systematic work. He organized a one-time financial assistance for refugees – a family receives coupon cards for 50 euros for a grocery store and 25 euros for a household chemicals store.
The voice of Ukraine is well heard in Vienna/Photo – Embassy of Ukraine in Austria
Travel
Ukrainian refugees are entitled to free travel on Austrian State Railways (ÖBB) trains with a “Not-Ticket Ukraine” ticket. Tickets can be collected directly on the train from the staff or at the ÖBB ticket office at the train stations. To receive a ticket, you must provide your name and passport number for scanning.
At first it was planned that such rules would only be valid until June 1, but subsequently the Austrian authorities decided to extend them. They are currently valid until the end of September 2022.
