Living

Last update : September 2025

Here you find information about:

  • Financial regulations and rights in asylum process

Financial support (Grundversorgung)

In Austria, you have a right to Grundversorgung (basic needs) during the whole asylum procedure.
This includes:
• Housing
• Food
• Health insurance
• Clothing
• School equipment for children
• Transport costs for interviews or legal appointments

While you have a Green card (Dublin or age check)
• The BBU is responsible for your Grundversorgung.
• You must live in one of the BBU camps: Traiskirchen or Thalham.

While you have a White card (Austria is processing your asylum case)
• The federal state where you live is responsible for your Grundversorgung.
• You must stay in this state to receive Grundversorgung.
• If you move to another federal state, you can lose your right to Grundversorgung.

Different systems in the federal states
Each state organises Grundversorgung in a different way.
• In Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) and Upper Austria (Oberösterreich):
o Every asylum seeker gets a Sachleistungskarte (service card).
o Your daily allowances are paid onto this card (not in cash).

Lower Austria special rule:
• The Sachleistungskarte is not connected to a bank account.
• This means you cannot withdraw cash.
• If you need cash, ask the social workers (Diakonie or Caritas) who visit the camps every two weeks.
• Tell them clearly that you need money in cash.

After a decision on your asylum case

If you receive asylum (Blue Card):
o You still get Grundversorgung for 4 more months.

If you receive subsidiary protection (Grey Card):
o You continue to have a right to Grundversorgung.

If your stay is tolerated (Duldung, Yellow Card):
o You also have a right to Grundversorgung.