Social benefits at federal level

In 2010 a total of 2 681 391 pensions were paid out. Of this figure 83% came from statutory pension insurance and 12% were civil servants’ pensions. The remainder consists of pensions received by accident insurance (4%) and by war victims’ and military service maintenance as well as by maintenance for victims of fighting for a free Austria of political persecution.

An average annual figure of 229 135 people received unemployment benefits (57%) unemployment assistance (43%) during 2010. The number of beneficiaries has increased since the beginning of the 1980s and was highest in 2009 because of the global economic and financial crisis (+24% compared to the previous year). The average level of daily rate of unemployment benefit for 2010 was €27.62; the average level of daily unemployment assistance was €21.20. On average the level of benefits paid to women is lower than that paid to men.

The benefits paid out of the Family Burdens Equalisation Fund (FLAF) are the most important instruments in support of families in Austria. In 2010 1 806 402 family benefits and childcare allowances were funded for 147 546 mothers and fathers.

At the end of 2010 a total of 369 172 people (exclusive of teachers employed by the Laender and people receiving benefits based on social indemnification acts) received a care allowance on the basis of the Federal Act for Long-Term Care Allowance. The majority of persons in need of care (2009: 71%) received a care allowance in the first three levels; the remainder were in the four higher levels. Of beneficiaries of the federal long-term care allowance at the end of 2009, 89% were older than 60. 93% of female beneficiaries fell into this age group, a significantly higher percentage than for men (82%).