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

The Social Department is one of the five departments of the Directorate for Social Affairs and Health within the Office of the Upper Austrian State Government. It represents the interests of the state as the social assistance provider ("SHL") and manages the implementation of social assistance benefits in accordance with the Upper Austrian Social Assistance Implementation Act (OÖ SOHAG). Its core responsibilities include the prevention of poverty and social exclusion, support for (re)entry into working life, as well as the professional guidance and coordination of the district administrative authorities (district commissions, magistrates) in the implementation of social assistance throughout Upper Austria.

The Social Department is committed to providing unbureaucratic and effective support to people in social distress. Our goal is to prevent poverty, enable social participation, and create sustainable prospects for those affected through needs-based financial assistance, social counseling, and coordinated measures. We work closely with district administrative authorities, social counseling centers, and other partners to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout Upper Austria.

The Social Department is aimed at all persons living in Upper Austria whose own income and assets do not cover the necessary living expenses and housing needs. This includes Austrian citizens, individuals entitled to asylum, and persons permanently and lawfully residing in Austria. Target groups are particularly people in acute financial distress, single parents, the elderly, people with disabilities, as well as other especially vulnerable groups who require support to ensure a dignified standard of living.