This is according to a survey by "Statistics Austria" and IHS. In the third quarter of 2024, although 21 percent of respondents reported having suffered income losses in the past twelve months, the income situation has slightly or greatly improved for 43 percent.

Compared to the previous year, the number of income losers has decreased. However, the proportion of respondents who have noticed an improvement has slightly decreased since the last quarter. Still, eleven percent reported that they had difficulties making ends meet with their current income in the third quarter.

Income Situation: Food and Housing Costs Pose Problems

Despite the improved income situation, 30 percent of 18- to 74-year-olds stated that they were (much) worse off with their household income than twelve months ago. The main reasons cited for this were the increased costs for food and rising housing and energy costs.

The results of the study show that individuals living in households with children under ten years of age are exposed to significantly greater financial risks and social threats than individuals in comparable household configurations without children or with older children. 62 percent of individuals in multi-child households with young children reported having difficulty or rather difficulty making ends meet - a significantly higher value than for couple households without children (25 percent).

Single Parents Particularly Affected

Also, individuals in single-parent households with young children (70 percent) had more difficulty with their income compared to individuals in single-person households (50 percent). Furthermore, housing costs are a heavy burden for a third of individuals in single-parent households with young children. For more than half (53 percent) of this group, a one-week annual vacation is unaffordable.

Social Minister Johannes Rauch, on whose behalf the regular survey is conducted, pointed out in a press release that there are improvements in almost all parameters: "Our survey once again makes it clear that this help has reached the people." With the increase in pensions, social assistance, and all social and family benefits by 4.6 percent, a noticeable relief is also ensured for the coming year. However, further steps are necessary. For him, this includes the "long-term" establishment of a basic child security. He hopes that this will be at the top of the priority list in the coalition negotiations.

(APA/Red)

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