Last year, social expenditure in Austria reached the highest level so far with 132 billion euros (+2.3% compared to the previous year) according to Statistics Austria.
About 56 billion euros (+5% compared to the previous year) were spent on old-age pensions, civil servants’ pensions, occupational pensions and on care services (43% of total social benefits expenditure).
Expenditure on sickness and health care comprising all age groups, at a level of 34 billion euros, was in second place with a share of 26% in total social benefits.
Other social benefits went to unemployment and family/children (9% each), disability and survivors (5% each) as well as 2% for housing/social exclusion.
In 2021, because of the recovery on the labour market substantially less was spent for short-time working allowances (-33%) and unemployment benefits (-32%).
On the other hand, expenses for unemployment assistance have risen slightly (+2%; 1.9 billion euros) due to the increasing long-term unemployment.
Support for self-employed, granted to compensate loss of income caused by the pandemic, saw a remarkable increase (+14%; 2021: 1.3 billion euros).
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