Subsidy for Telephone Charges

The subsidy for telephone charges supports socially disadvantaged private individuals as well as homes for deaf and severely hearing-impaired persons in Vienna with a communication grant. The aim is to sustainably improve participation in the public communication network. The funding is based on the Telephone Charge Subsidy Act (§ 3 FeZG) and is granted indefinitely; applications can be submitted at any time. Eligible are adults who meet income limits and other requirements, as well as homes whose technical equipment ensures barrier-free use. Double benefits are excluded, and commercial use of the network access is not permitted. Household net incomes may exceed the guideline amount set for compensation supplements by a maximum of 12%.

The application must include the completed application form, supplemented by a copy of the eligibility confirmation, proof of income for all household members, and registration certificates. In cases of entitlement due to care allowance, social assistance, unemployment or study grants, corresponding notices or bank statements must be attached. The Federal Ministry for Housing, Arts, Culture, Media and Sport – Section III Telecommunications and Post grants the subsidy as an in-kind benefit, which remains valid after the decision and can subsequently be redeemed with a telecommunications provider. The funding measure strengthens inclusion and promotes barrier-free access to telephony and the internet in the social and health policy sector. A new application can be submitted after a period of up to five years or in case of changed circumstances.