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Health · Austria
Updated September 2026

💜 I care for a family member — what support can I get, and where?

Direct answer

Caring for a relative is work, and most countries now recognise it with respite care, a carer's allowance or benefit, leave rights and free advice — but only if you ask. Sozialministeriumservice / Pflegegeld (PVA) (05 99 88) assesses the person you care for and your own needs and unlocks home help and respite; Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) (050 766 66) is the carers' organisation for Austria with practical advice, peer groups and help with the paperwork; Gemeindeamt / Magistrat — Bürgerservice (oesterreich.gv.at) handles local services and, in many countries, the carer's allowance.

Call firstSozialministeriumservice / Pflegegeld (PVA)
Report toÖsterreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK)
If that failsGemeindeamt / Magistrat — Bürgerservice

🗣️ What to say

"I care for my [relative] who has [condition] for about [hours] per week. I would like a needs assessment for them and a carer's assessment for myself, and information about respite care, allowances and leave from work."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Ask for both assessmentsThe person cared for and you. The carer's assessment is the one people forget — it opens respite and money.
  2. Talk to Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK)They know the local rules, the forms, and the tricks; peer groups keep you sane.
  3. MoneyCarer's allowance or a personal budget the cared-for person can use to pay you; pension credits for caring years in several countries.
  4. WorkEU rules give carers' leave and the right to request flexible work; your employer has to answer in writing.
  5. RespiteDay care, short stays, replacement care at home — arranged through Sozialministeriumservice / Pflegegeld (PVA) or Gemeindeamt / Magistrat — Bürgerservice. Take it before you burn out, not after.

📇 All contacts

Sozialministeriumservice / Pflegegeld (PVA)Care allowance, disability pass, supportFor care and support benefits📞 05 99 88🔗 www.sozialministeriumservice.at
Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK)Doctor search, coverage, private-doctor refundsFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 050 766 66🔗 www.gesundheitskasse.at
Gemeindeamt / Magistrat — BürgerserviceMunicipal office: registration, order, noise, waste, lost propertyFor anything the municipality regulates🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at
Patientenanwaltschaft des BundeslandesIndependent, free complaints bodyWhen the hospital does not respond🔗 www.patientenanwalt.com

❓ Frequently asked

Can I be paid to care?

In many countries yes, through a personal budget or a direct carer's benefit; conditions and amounts differ. Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) explains the local scheme.

I cannot cope any more

Say exactly that to Sozialministeriumservice / Pflegegeld (PVA) — it triggers emergency respite. And talk to your GP; carer burnout is a medical issue.

Does caring count for my pension?

Several countries credit caring years; ask the pension office or Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “carer support Austria”
  • “carers allowance Austria”
  • “respite care how to apply”
  • “caring for parent help”
  • “carer leave rights”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

♿Care support refused→🧠Mental health waiting list→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→

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