Austria to offer extra €400 for heating costs to low income households
The Austrian government has agreed on additional aid to cushion high heating costs, with the payout being distributed by the provinces. Here's what we know so far.
Energy prices are up in Austria, with many choosing to postpone turning on the heating in order to save up at the end of the month. However, as temperatures drop, the government is now looking for ways to help low-income households pay for their heating.
The ÖVP-Greens coalition announced an additional aid earmarking €450 million for the program and leaving it up to the provinces to arrange the cash distribution, Austrian media reported.
READ ALSO: Reader question: Will I get another Klimabonus payment next year in Austria?
The total amount will be transferred to the regions based on population to add to existing local subsidies. The federal aid would amount to between €200 to €400 extra per household, according to a statement from Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP).
The heating subsidy is intended for lower-income families, minimum pensioners and welfare recipients. It will be available whether they heat with gas, electricity, pellets or another fuel.
As provinces will distribute the grant, the Ministers did not give further details on income criteria, nor did they provide an estimate of the payment date.
READ ALSO:
- Vienna Energy Bonus: How to get a €200 payout
- How much do you need to earn for a good life in Austria?
- How Austria plans to secure the food supply in the event of a blackout
Government is against a gas price brake
Minister Brunner mentioned that he does not believe in a gas price cap as an inflation-dampening measure for Austria, such as the one planned in Germany and demanded by opposition SPÖ in Austria.
"We have a different situation in Austria," said the Finance Minister. "In Austria, only about 25 percent of households heat with gas, in Germany about 50 percent."
READ ALSO: How could Austria’s new electricity price brake benefit you?
Consequently, only a smaller circle would benefit from a gas price brake. In Carinthia, for example, only three percent of households. Instead, he defended that the heating cost subsidy would support all those who need it, regardless of the form of heating.
Comments
See Also
Energy prices are up in Austria, with many choosing to postpone turning on the heating in order to save up at the end of the month. However, as temperatures drop, the government is now looking for ways to help low-income households pay for their heating.
The ÖVP-Greens coalition announced an additional aid earmarking €450 million for the program and leaving it up to the provinces to arrange the cash distribution, Austrian media reported.
READ ALSO: Reader question: Will I get another Klimabonus payment next year in Austria?
The total amount will be transferred to the regions based on population to add to existing local subsidies. The federal aid would amount to between €200 to €400 extra per household, according to a statement from Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP).
The heating subsidy is intended for lower-income families, minimum pensioners and welfare recipients. It will be available whether they heat with gas, electricity, pellets or another fuel.
As provinces will distribute the grant, the Ministers did not give further details on income criteria, nor did they provide an estimate of the payment date.
READ ALSO:
- Vienna Energy Bonus: How to get a €200 payout
- How much do you need to earn for a good life in Austria?
- How Austria plans to secure the food supply in the event of a blackout
Government is against a gas price brake
Minister Brunner mentioned that he does not believe in a gas price cap as an inflation-dampening measure for Austria, such as the one planned in Germany and demanded by opposition SPÖ in Austria.
"We have a different situation in Austria," said the Finance Minister. "In Austria, only about 25 percent of households heat with gas, in Germany about 50 percent."
READ ALSO: How could Austria’s new electricity price brake benefit you?
Consequently, only a smaller circle would benefit from a gas price brake. In Carinthia, for example, only three percent of households. Instead, he defended that the heating cost subsidy would support all those who need it, regardless of the form of heating.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.