The application for this measure asks for economic, social, and financial parameters. Together with the reasons why the extraordinary difficulty has arisen, the provincial Government decided on the granting of a one-time lump-sum cash benefit. The grant in question has no legal entitlement. In times such as pandemics or inflationary waves, but also in the case of natural disasters, this funding instrument is used more frequently than under normal circumstances, which also causes a sharp increase in expenditure. About 2,000 applications are approved each year. The funding amounts to about € 2 million per year.
Assistance for People in special circumstances
Official Name of Signatory
State of Carinthia (Austria)
Delegation
Europe
Website of the Signatory
Name of the person presenting the Good Practice
Mag. Claudia Unterrieder
Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice
Sub-department head
Aim of the Good Practice
Assistance for people in special circumstances includes assistance to persons who, due to their personal, family, or economic circumstances or as a result of extraordinary events, need the help of the community to bridge emergency situations or to avert a social danger. This includes in particular: assistance in obtaining and maintaining accommodation and assistance to build up or secure an economic livelihood. (or granting of a benefit according to § 15 Carinthian Social Assistance Act 2021)
Target Group of the Good Practice
People in exceptional social difficulties (personal, family, or economic circumstances or as a result of exceptional events).
Implementation period
For years, assistance for people in special circumstances takes the form of a one-off payment. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.
Consistency over time
Assistance for people in special circumstances has been an integral part of the range of services provided by the social assistance of the Province of Carinthia in slightly different forms for years.
Evaluation of the Good Practice
Assistance for people in special circumstances has proven to be a particularly helpful measure for rapid and uncomplicated help for people in extraordinary circumstances, especially in times of the Corona pandemic as well as in times of inflation, but also in the case of natural disasters.
Key stakeholders and partnerships
Assistance in special circumstances is handled by the Carinthian government without external partners. For recipients of social assistance, the district administrative authority grants assistance directly. This is referred to as a benefit under § 15 of the Carinthian Social Assistance Act. The district administrative authorities are somewhat more restricted in granting benefits than the Carinthian government and only benefits in kind may be granted.
Link for more information
Future Goal 1
Maintain the funding line in its current form.
Future Goal 2
Securing the financial means for it
Future Goal 3
Create awareness among the population that this measure can be used (process).