Explosive new figures

Social assistance and social fraud: These are the facts

Social welfare and social fraud are two hotly debated topics. The "Krone" tries to shed light on the jungle of figures. How many Austrians and foreigners receive benefits? How many fraudsters are there? And how much money can be recovered? Here are the facts.

Three recent responses to inquiries provide an insight into the welfare system. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) presents figures on the "Social Benefits Fraud Taskforce". Doris Kampus (SPÖ), State Councillor for Social Affairs, presents further Styrian figures. And Social Affairs Minister Johannes Rauch provides data on which people in Styria receive social assistance (formerly minimum benefits). The "Krone" has extracted the most important information from the extensive documents.