Family allowance.
Family allowance is a cash benefit granted to parents with children, regardless of their employment or income. In Austria, family allowance is granted until the child reaches the age of majority (18) or until the age of 24 if the child is in vocational training or studying. In exceptional cases, such as significant disability of the child, up to the age of 25.
If the carer is the only employed parent, Austria is responsible for paying the family allowance. Otherwise, the Austrian state will pay the difference if the family allowance in the country of origin is lower.
The family allowance is applied for at the tax office.
Please note!
Every parent employed in Austria may apply for family allowance!
Eligibility requirements for family allowance in Austria:
- Your centre of life is in Austria
OR
- You have a relevant connection to Austria:
You are in employment (self-employed - with a trade, or employed - with an employment contract) in Austria and are insured here.
If the father applies for family allowance on behalf of the mother, the mother must then waive her priority claim. If the father applies for family allowance in his own name, he must then prove that he is the main head of the household.
The documents required for the application for family allowance are as follows:
- Application for family allowance (form ‘Beih 38’)
- Proof of legal residence (can be obtained from the competent settlement authority)
- Birth certificate of the child
- Proof of business licence
- Marriage certificate or divorce certificate, if applicable
- For adult children: proof of ongoing vocational training or confirmation of studies.