Fraud Prevention: ÖVP Also Wants Social Abuse in the Package

Negotiations on the federal government's planned anti-fraud package are ongoing. Initial key points from the expert commission set up by SPÖ Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer include the abolition of the input tax deduction for luxury properties and account inspection for shell companies. Now, according to a report by the "Kurier," the ÖVP apparently also wants to include the area of social abuse in the package.

There was initially no confirmation of this intention from the chancellor's party in response to an APA inquiry: "We do not comment on papers as long as negotiations are ongoing." Instead, the ÖVP referred to the ongoing discussions within the government.

Measures against "Job Obstruction" and Temporary Emergency Assistance

According to the "Kurier," an internal position paper of the ÖVP provides, among other things, for "job obstructions by social assistance recipients" to be consistently sanctioned. Those who receive social assistance and have caregiving responsibilities should be available to the labor market from the child's first birthday. Additionally, a separate criminal offense for social fraud should be created.

Unemployed individuals are also the target of the planned measures: Emergency assistance should only be paid temporarily in the future and then transition into "means-tested social assistance." Sick leaves should no longer interrupt the entitlement; those who are ill would have to report to the ÖGK at the beginning and end of their sick leave. According to the proposal, those entitled to the corridor pension should no longer receive unemployment benefits or emergency assistance in the future.

Stricter Rules for Sick Leave and Reporting Systems

The ÖVP paper also provides that sick notes should be issued "activity-related" in the future – for example, someone with a broken leg could still perform office work. Employers should have the right, according to the proposal, to have the ÖGK conduct an immediate check. Reporting violations should also be criminally sanctioned and contribution offenders recorded.

In addition, social benefits for EU citizens are to be specifically reviewed – for example, whether there is actually an entitlement to partial pension or compensatory allowance.

Approval from the Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce Secretary General Jochen Danninger welcomed the reports: “Social abuse must not be ignored. Fairness in the system means keeping both sides in view.” In 2024 alone, social benefits fraud caused damage of over 135 million euros, according to Danninger.

The Federation of Austrian Industries also advocated for stricter controls on social benefits in recent days.

SPÖ points to ongoing negotiations

From the office of Finance Minister Marterbauer, it was stated on Saturday that negotiations are ongoing. The legislation for the planned law was sent to the coalition partner ÖVP on Friday. According to the government program, the focus of the package is on combating tax fraud. Whether and how the points sought by the ÖVP will be included is currently open.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.