Personal Assistance by Providers, Lower Austria

In Lower Austria, this ongoing grant funding enables non-profit organizations, companies, public institutions, interest groups, and other associations to implement specialized services in the areas of social affairs, health, as well as labor and social services. Funding is provided, among other things, for sign language interpreting services for sensory-impaired persons, psychosocial support services for individuals with mental health impairments, and leisure and day-structuring measures for people with intellectual or psychological disabilities. Work assistance, projects for the care of long-term incapacitated persons with special care needs, family-relieving short-term care, and travel cost subsidies complement the range of services. By direct payment to service providers, tailored local care is ensured and social participation is sustainably strengthened.

Eligible to participate are people with disabilities or psychological or intellectual impairments who have their main residence or stay in Lower Austria, belong to the corresponding group of persons according to § 24 NÖ-SHG, and are Austrian citizens or persons with equivalent status. A claim to benefits exists only if no equivalent entitlement arises from other legal, statutory, or contractual provisions. The responsible authority for the application is the respective municipality, the district administrative authority, or the state government; only the application is required as proof. Since the first award in November 2013, applications can be submitted at any time. The uncomplicated submission and rapid processing enable carriers and service providers to respond promptly to individual needs. Thanks to the unlimited duration, the funding offers sustainable planning security for both carriers and users alike.