
People with disabilities in Austria will soon receive regular salaries instead of pocket money, under new guidelines announced on Monday by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
A total of €54 million will be allocated until 2026 to facilitate the integration of individuals with high or very high support needs into the mainstream job market, the ministry said in a statement. Austria’s nine federal states will contribute one third of the funding.
Around 28,000 people with disabilities are currently employed in so-called daily structured facilities like carpentry workshops. Depending on the federal state, they receive monthly pocket money of €35 to €100, plus accident insurance.
The new rules will transition such workers to full-wage employment and ensure fair pay, social insurance and pension rights.
Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch emphasised, “People with disabilities have the right to fair pay and social security protection, enabling them to lead independent lives. I am pleased that the states are contributing one third of the project costs.”