Record High in Care Allowance Recipients in Austria

The number of care allowance recipients rose slightly again in November. With a total of 505,388 eligible individuals, the number was 2.08 percent higher than that of the same period last year (495,090). Compared to the previous month of October (505,347), there was virtually no change.

Over 500,000 People Receive Care Allowance

This means the number of recipients remains above half a million affected individuals. The mark of 500,000 eligible individuals was first exceeded in May of this year (with 500,554 affected). By mid-year (June), the number rose to 501,205 and then consistently remained above this mark.

Majority of Recipients Are Female

Regarding the distribution of care-dependent individuals by level, in September, approximately 29.4 percent were in level 1, 20.5 percent in level 2, 18.7 percent in level 3, 14.5 percent in level 4, 11.1 percent in level 5, 4.2 percent in level 6, and 1.7 percent in level 7, which is for those with the highest care needs. The classification into the individual care levels is based on the need for hours.

Of the 505,388 care allowance recipients, the clear majority were once again female. In November, 308,661 women (61.1 percent) and 196,727 men (38.9 percent) were among those affected.

Demographic Change and Increasing Life Expectancy

Already in May - when the 500,000 mark was first exceeded - the Ministry of Social Affairs, led by Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ), stated that demographic change and increasing life expectancy would also be reflected in the rising number of eligible individuals and in the development of care allowance applications. She positively highlighted at the time that the annual valorization of the monetary benefit by the adjustment factor could be secured despite the pressure to save.

(APA/Red)

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