December 17, 2021
The real costs incurred for children are significantly higher than the figures previously used as a basis, reports Caritas Carinthia, referring to the new child cost study. The costs for a child in a household with two adults are around 500, in a single parent household even 900 euros per month. “In particular, single parents and families with low incomes fail to close the gap between child costs and family benefits every month on their own. The children are the ones who suffer, ”warns Caritas director Ernst Sandriesser.
“It needs a quick readjustment”
Not least because of the high risk of poverty of children and young people in Austria, Caritas has repeatedly called for a review of family and social benefits in terms of their poverty resistance and their distributive effect. The WIFO data would confirm that families benefit to varying degrees from the current benefits, Sandriesser is sure. “On the basis of the new child cost study, a quick readjustment is needed.” In addition to the needs-based restructuring of family and social benefits, the Caritas director calls for the introduction of basic child benefits. “This could ensure a life free of poverty for every child and thus a permanent solution for families at risk of poverty and especially single parents.”