Amt der Oö. Landesregierung, Direktion Soziales und Gesundheit, Abteilung Soziales

The Social Department is one of four departments within the Directorate of Social Affairs and Health at the Office of the Upper Austrian State Government. Under the leadership of Hofrat Mag. Cornelia Altreiter-Windsteiger, it is responsible for the planning, management, and implementation of social policy measures in Upper Austria. Its core areas of activity include needs-based minimum security (social assistance, heating cost subsidy), emergency housing assistance and eviction prevention, debt counseling and debt regulation, protection of women and children as well as psychosocial counseling, services for people with disabilities, care provision for the elderly (mobile services, nursing homes, day care), integration promotion and international aid measures, as well as case management and social counseling. The department develops funding instruments, guidelines, and cooperation structures to ensure social participation, equal opportunities, and quality of life for all population groups.

We are committed to ensuring that all citizens of Upper Austria can live self-determined and with dignity throughout all stages of life. Through our dedication, we promote solidarity and social justice, strengthen vulnerable groups, and support municipalities as well as non-profit organizations in implementing needs-based services. Through innovative, sustainable, and cooperative concepts, we create a social network that places prevention, integration, and equitable opportunities for advancement at its core.

The Social Department targets people in Upper Austria who require support in social emergencies – including single parents and low-income families, elderly and care-dependent individuals, people with disabilities, persons in special distress (homeless, indebted individuals), as well as women and children in crisis situations. Additionally, legal entities such as associations, municipalities, and non-profit organizations active in the social sector are supported in implementing projects that strengthen social cohesion.