Hardship in cases of hardship

“The last social safety net has failed”

In Linz, social assistance can be applied for at the New Town Hall. It is often not granted even in cases of hardship.(Bild: Wenzel Markus)

Criticism of the city of Linz's treatment of welfare recipients continues unabated, with social welfare organizations in particular complaining of an unnecessarily strict interpretation of the law. While the ÖVP wants answers from Deputy Mayor Karin Hörzing of the SPÖ, more and more of those affected are getting in touch with the "Krone". 

"I have had terrible years. Now my daughter no longer speaks to me either - and only because she is demanding money from me through the court." Mrs. G. is desperate. After a long marriage full of violence, she found the strength to separate. However, she lost her house, her job and now her daughter (31). She is impaired, her adult representative is demanding maintenance from Mrs. G. and even wants to take her to court.

Requirements of the city
The city of Linz is demanding this in order to avoid having to pay her daughter welfare benefits. "I'm just getting back on my feet and I'm totally overwhelmed if I now have to pay for my daughter as well," says the woman in despair. According to reports in the "Krone" newspaper, more and more people are coming forward who are having problems because of the city's hard line. Mr. E. is one of them.