Student Financial Aid: Comprehensive Guide for Essential Information
Family Allowance for Students in Austria: A Comprehensive Guide
In Austria, students aged 19 to 24 who are enrolled in recognized higher education or similar institutions can benefit from the family allowance (Familienbeihilfe). The allowance, typically around €165.10 per month per student, is intended to help cover the costs of raising children or ensuring students can complete their studies regardless of their financial situation [5].
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the family allowance, the student must:
- Be aged between 19 and 24 years.
- Be enrolled in a recognized educational institution (usually higher education).
- The family allowance is usually paid to the parents, not directly to the student.
Income Limits
The family allowance itself does not generally have an income limit for eligibility, but social grants or scholarships tied to family income exist. For instance, the Austrian Study Grant Authority offers grants mainly based on the parents' income level with additional conditions on study progress and earnings [4].
Additional Information
- Students who are underprivileged, have children, or foreign scholarship holders may have specific entitlements for support beyond the basic family allowance [4].
- Parents receive the allowance for the calendar months during which the student is enrolled.
- The exact family allowance rates and eligibility criteria may change and specific entitlements can vary depending on factors such as residency status, work experience, and family situation [4][5].
Student Grants
For student grants related to income support, the main eligibility criterion is the parents' income level, with limits and conditions assessed by the Austrian Study Grant Authority [4]. The income limits specifically apply to student grants rather than the basic family allowance. For grants, parents’ income is assessed and the student’s additional earnings are limited (e.g., max €8,000 annual earnings) [4].
Additional Supports
Additional supports or special conditions may apply for students who are underprivileged, have children, or are foreign scholarship holders [4]. Parents may also receive additional benefits if the student must live away from home or other special circumstances exist, with maximum monthly grants up to around €679 [4].
Miscellaneous Information
- A child tax credit of €70.90 per child is also paid out automatically.
- If a student receives family allowance intentionally or through gross negligence, they may face a fine of up to €360 or a prison sentence of up to two weeks.
- The Arbeiterkammer offers a family allowance calculator to determine exactly how much a student is entitled to.
- Family allowance is automatically paid out with the birth of a child, and parents must meet certain criteria to receive it, such as residing in Austria and the child living in the same household or the parents being legally obligated to provide financial support.
- The contact information for the Gemeinnützige Studentenwohnbau AG, including phone number and email address, is provided for any questions or concerns.
Tips for Students
- A student can find more tips on financing their education on the blog, including available funding options and money-saving tips.
- To secure their allowance without stress, a student should make sure they earn enough ECTS, don't switch their studies too often, and watch their income limit.
- If credits from a student's old program are recognized in their new one, the waiting period for family allowance can be shortened.
- A student must repay family allowance if they exceed the age limit, their university enrollment is terminated, they show insufficient academic activity, or they exceed the income limit.
- If a student changes their study program no later than before the start of the third semester, family allowance will not be suspended.
In summary, the family allowance in Austria is a valuable resource for students, offering financial support to ensure they can complete their studies. Eligibility primarily depends on the student's age and educational status, while related income limits mainly affect student grants beyond the basic allowance [4][5].
- Personal finance management could be crucial for students in Austria, as they navigate the family allowance system, understanding when and how to apply for student grants that depend on their parents' income level.
- Education and self-development resources, such as learning about personal finance, can help students in Austria make the most of their family allowance and additional grants, ensuring they have the necessary finances to pursue their studies effectively.
