Austria receives 5,000 applications for single parent Support Fund

The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs received approximately 5,000 applications for a new support fund for single parents since the program began in July.

The ministry says it is currently processing about 4,500 of these requests, while it has already rejected 250 applications and transferred funds to several hundred recipients. Social Minister Korinna Schumann stated that the fund addresses financial gaps when a parent fails to meet their maintenance responsibilities.

The fund provides a monthly payment of 240.60 euros per child, with an annual budget of 35 million euros. For half-orphans who do not qualify for survivor benefits, the fund provides 14 payments per year. The ministry expects to reach about 15,000 single parents and their children.

In cases of extreme distress involving victims of violence, the fund can provide a one-time start-up grant of up to 4,000 euros to help with costs like securing a new apartment or obtaining documents. The ministry continues to review the pending applications, noting that some require additional documentation.