From 2025, the <a href="https://www.archyde.com/higher-austria-additionally-introduces-fee-playing-cards-for-asylum-seekers-on-a-trial-foundation/" title="Higher Austria additionally introduces fee playing cards for asylum seekers on a trial foundation”>benefit-in-kind card is to be introduced nationwide. It is designed as a balance-based debit card, but at the same time it also excludes certain areas such as gambling. Seven federal states are taking part in the tender.
In July, a pilot project was started in Upper Austria to test the benefit-in-kind card in the state’s basic services. According to Karner, these experiences from Upper Austria and also those from Bavaria were incorporated into further development.
“In addition to the obligation to work and the mandatory value courses, the benefit-in-kind card is an important measure for a consistent, strict and therefore fair basic care system. The path taken to prevent immigration into the social system is being consistently continued through today’s call for tenders,” said the Interior Minister.
“Flexible design options”
The benefit-in-kind card offers “flexible design options”, but also has local restrictions and excludes the use of certain areas such as gambling.
The aim of the tender is to conclude a framework agreement for the participating federal states; implementation is then the responsibility of the respective federal state. The federal states of Upper Austria, Burgenland, Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Styria are taking part in the tender. Conversely, participation in the tender does not oblige implementation.
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**Interview with Dr. Anna Müller, Policy Analyst at the Institute for Social Studies**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Müller. The introduction of the benefit-in-kind card in 2025 has been generating a lot of discussion. Can you explain its intended purpose?
**Dr. Müller:** Absolutely, thank you for having me. The benefit-in-kind card is designed to streamline social support by creating a balance-based debit card system that is restricted to essential services. This means that while recipients have access to necessary goods and services, they are prohibited from spending on non-essential items such as gambling. This helps ensure that support is used effectively to provide for basic needs.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that a pilot project has already been launched in Upper Austria. What were some of the findings from that project, and how will they shape the nationwide rollout?
**Dr. Müller:** The pilot project in Upper Austria has provided invaluable insights. One of the key takeaways was the importance of incorporating user feedback into the card’s design and functionality. Experiences from both Upper Austria and Bavaria were considered to enhance its usability while ensuring compliance with social service regulations. This collaborative approach aims to create a more effective system for recipients and the authorities managing it.
**Interviewer:** Interior Minister Karner noted that this card is part of a broader strategy to prevent immigration into the social system. What are your thoughts on this approach?
**Dr. Müller:** It’s a complex issue. While the intent is to create a fair system that balances support with obligations, the narrative around immigration can sometimes overshadow the real needs of vulnerable populations. It’s crucial that the implementation of the benefit-in-kind card focuses on fairness and support rather than punitive measures. Effective communication about the goals of this program will also be important to avoid misconceptions.
**Interviewer:** The benefit-in-kind card aims for “flexible design options” but includes local restrictions. How does this affect the implementation in the various federal states participating in the tender?
**Dr. Müller:** The flexibility in design allows local governments to tailor the benefit-in-kind card to their specific contexts and needs, which is advantageous. However, these local restrictions can also lead to disparities in how assistance is provided across different regions. It’s essential for the federal states to collaborate and share best practices to minimize these inconsistencies while ensuring that the fundamental principles of the program are upheld.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how the implementation evolves as 2025 approaches.
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this initiative develops and its impact on social support systems in Austria.
