National Cancer Institute
Austria’s government will increase long-term care benefits in 2027 despite ongoing budget consolidation measures, Social Affairs Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Schumann, around €120 million has been secured in the federal double budget to finance the annual adjustment of care benefits required under Austria’s Federal Care Allowance Act. The amount reflects full inflation compensation at the time the budget was drafted.
“The people who provide care every day, and those who depend on care, deserve our full support,” Schumann said in a statement to the Austria Press Agency (APA). She said securing the increase for 2027 would help strengthen social protection during uncertain times and underline the importance of care and social solidarity in Austrian society.
As of the end of March 2026, around 506,000 people in Austria were eligible to receive care benefits.
Care Workforce And Rising Number Of Recipients
Marking International Nurses Day on May 12, 2026, Schumann invited care workers to the ministry to discuss current challenges and potential improvements in the care system. According to her office, she emphasized the significant contribution made by care workers, often under high pressure and with considerable personal commitment.
The number of care benefit recipients continued to rise slightly in March compared with the previous year. A total of 505,999 people were eligible for benefits, up 1.6 percent from 498,053 a year earlier. Compared with February 2026, the number also increased slightly.
Austria first surpassed 500,000 care benefit recipients in May 2025 and has remained above that level ever since.
Benefit Increase Took Effect In January 2026
Austria has adjusted care benefits annually since 2020 using a so-called adjustment factor. In 2026, benefits increased by 2.7 percent, in line with pension increases.
Since January 1, 2026, recipients in care level one have received €206.20 per month, while those in level seven receive €2,214.80 monthly. Payments vary depending on the level of care required.
