In 2010, Austria introduced a largely standardized form of social welfare allowance (Sozialhilfe) under the new name “Needs-Based Minimum Benefit” (Bedarfsorientierte Mindestsicherung – BMS) through a nationwide agreement (15a-Vereinbarung). However, after this agreement expired, efforts to establish a unified national extension were unsuccessful. As a result, the implementation of BMS is now regulated individually by each province, leading to reductions or restrictions in some provinces.

This project workshop explores key questions related to the distributional effects of BMS and the impact of the changes in selected provinces on different population groups and their everyday lives. Particular attention is paid to access to health and preventive care. Furthermore, this study attempts to identify best practices, including international comparisons, and develop recommendations for changes.

The project workshop uses a mixed-methods approach, combining discourse and literature analysis, narrative and guided interviews, and the evaluation of publicly available statistics and data. The relevance of this study is underscored by current political debates and the exacerbated living conditions faced by many people affected by poverty.