With one of the most extensive social security systems in Europe, Austria provides a broad spectrum of protections for people residing and employed there. Supported by contributions from both companies and workers, the Austrian social security system covers important areas including family support, health care, pensions, unemployment, and work-related injuries. Understanding your social security rights will help you to access these benefits and guarantee long-term security whether your nationality is Austria, an EU/EEA national, or a third-country national.
Who is covered by social security in Austria
Every employee and most self-employed person working legally in Austria is obliged to contribute to the social security system. Once hired, your company automatically registers you with either another relevant social insurance body or the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK). Under the principle of equal treatment, EU/EEA residents are also entitled to social insurance; third-country nationals can access benefits as long as they are legally employed and insured in Austria.
Principal elements of the Austrian Social Security System
There are five main pillars to the Austrian social insurance system, each providing particular protection:
Health Insurance
Health care services—including doctor visits, hospital treatment, prescription drugs, maternity care, and preventative health programs—are rights of all insured individuals. Usually offered through ÖGK, public health insurance pays for itself; the contributions are deducted from your pay. Your insurance plan covers dependents including spouses and children at no extra cost as well.
Pension insurance
Public pension systems offered by Austria ensure income for disability, retirement, or after a breadwinner dies. Contributions made over your working life define your pension amount going forward. Usually requiring minimum years—currently around 15—people must have paid for an old-age pension and satisfy the retirement age criteria (currently 65 for men and progressively rising for women).
Unemployment Insurance
Should you lose your employment, you might be qualified for unemployment benefits provided you have been working and making payments into the system for a sufficient length of time. Your past income and length of employment determine the benefits. You have to register with the Public Employment Service (AMS) and be actively looking for employment if you want unemployment claimed.
Accident insurance
Under this component are covered occupational diseases and accidents connected to the workplace. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, reimbursement of lost income, and disability pensions should the damage cause permanent impairment. The company pays for this insurance totally.
Family benefits
Austria provides several family-oriented advantages to help households with children. These comprise extra tax deductions, parent leave allowances (Kinderbetreuungsgeld), and child benefits (Familienbeihilfe). Legal residents—including expats with children—as well as others often have these advantages changed depending on family income and number of children.
Contribution rates and deductions
Your gross pay is automatically deducted with social security contributions. The employer pays about 21% and the employee contributes about 18%, hence the total contribution rate is about 39%. These are required contributions spanning all five insurance pillars. The contribution rates computed for self-employed people depend on income level and are paid straight to the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS).
Accessing benefits
Once registered, insured people get an e-card, which acts as evidence of insurance and provides public health service access. For family benefits, unemployment support, and pensions, you have to apply through the relevant agencies, such AMS or the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA). Since most services are offered in German, expats could find advantage in the assistance services or interpreter support during application procedures.
Eligibility for expats
Social insurance rights of EU/EEA and Swiss nationals working in Austria are same those of Austrian residents. Access to benefits for non-EU citizens relies on legal employment and a current residence permit. You start to build entitlements once registered with the suitable pension and Health Insurance Company. To help coordinate pension and insurance entitlements across borders, Austria has social security agreements with many non-EU nations including India, Canada, and the United States.
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