Social Fund "Graz Helps"

The social fund "Graz helps" provides ongoing support to residents of Graz in unplanned emergencies with non-repayable grants to secure basic social services. Since June 18, 2020, adults with their main residence in Graz (at least 12 months) can submit applications at any time. The funds are made available as a voluntary service by the City of Graz and are not budgetarily limited. A commission reviews the funding applications at regular intervals: supports up to 1,500 euros are decided by the Social Affairs Department, amounts above this are decided by the City Senate as a collegial body.

A prerequisite for funding is proof of Austrian citizenship or a residence permit valid for more than three months, low income, and an involuntary emergency situation. Applicants must have previously claimed statutory benefits (e.g., minimum income support or unemployment benefits) and must not have received support from this fund in the last five years. Asylum seekers and persons with a legal entitlement to basic care are excluded. For the application, the following must be submitted, among other documents: proof of citizenship or residence permit, income and asset statements, a complete bank statement for the last month, as well as evidence of the emergency situation and any support already received.