0
0
Austria’s rules on family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) after a student completes the Matura remain a crucial topic for parents navigating the transition from school to work, university, or national service. According to Lisa Wassner, expert on women, work and family at the Chamber of Labour Styria (AK Steiermark), several deadlines and income limits determine how long the benefit continues.
Automatic Extension After the Matura
Parents of adult children who have not yet turned 24 continue to receive the family allowance for four months after the Matura, regardless of what the young adult does next. This applies whether the graduate:
- starts a job
- begins a training or university program
- starts military or civilian service
After these four months, the rules tighten.
Requirement: Begin an Education Program
To continue receiving the allowance beyond the four‑month grace period, the young adult must start an education or training program. During military or civilian service, no family allowance is paid — except during the initial four months after the Matura. If the student begins their studies at the earliest possible date after service, payments resume.
Income Limit From Age 20
A key financial threshold applies starting in the calendar year in which the child turns 20. The taxable annual income of the young adult must not exceed €17,212 (2026 value). If the limit is exceeded, the family must repay the amount by which the income surpassed the threshold.
No Allowance Without Education
For young adults over 18 who are not enrolled in any training or education, there is no entitlement to family allowance — even if they are registered with the Public Employment Service (AMS) as seeking an apprenticeship.
What This Means for Families
The rules aim to support young people during the transition from school to higher education or early career steps, while ensuring the benefit remains tied to educational progress and financial need. Wassner emphasizes that families should pay close attention to deadlines, income limits, and the timing of study or service start dates to avoid losing entitlement or facing repayment obligations.
- source: krone.at/picture: pixabay.com
This post has already been read 57 times!
