Great confusion

Housing and rental assistance: who is responsible and when?

S. shows FPÖ housing ombudsman Michael Niegl (right) the decision.

(Bild: Bartel Gerhard/Gerhard Bartel)

Since March, a minimum income has been required for housing benefit. Few people know that the rent subsidy then applies.

Christopher S. has to pay 763 euros a month for his cooperative apartment. When he still had a well-paid job, this wasn't a problem - until he lost it. It was not only difficult to find a job, but also to maintain his living costs. So the Viennese man applied to MA 50 for housing benefit, only to be turned down a few weeks later - the reason: his monthly income of 1084 euros in AMS money was too low for the benefit. This would require 1155 euros. He therefore has 71 euros too little to receive a total of around 62 euros in aid. "That 62 euros wouldn't be much, but it definitely makes a difference," explains S.

Rejection of the decision: not an isolated case
The Viennese is not an isolated case; Karin Z. (58), who can no longer work as a geriatric nurse after a serious accident, also received a rejection on the phone after the decision was rejected: "Too little income for the housing benefit."

Both are entitled to help with rent payments, but not from MA 50 as part of the housing benefit, but from MA 40, which is responsible for the rent subsidy. According to the office of the responsible housing councillor Kathrin Gaál (SPÖ), a minimum household income is required for housing benefit. But not for the rent subsidy.

But not everyone knows that. "The basic requirements still include reaching an income limit of currently 1155.84 euros (for a one-person household). Below this amount, the support services of MA40, rent subsidy, apply. If an application for housing benefit does not meet this requirement, the MA40 will provide information about the possibility of a support benefit," the Deputy Mayor's office continues.

For and against
The reform of the housing benefit has made it possible for more recipients to be eligible and for higher benefits to be paid out to individual households.

However, the separate system is criticized by the opposition. FPÖ housing ombudsman Michael Niegl: "Such absurd rules must be stopped in the interests of all Viennese." The Greens are also calling for a merger into one municipal department. That would save costs.