Austria has a comprehensive social security system which includes sickness, accident, disability, accident, and unemployment benefits, pensions and family allowances.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens living in Austria are eligible to receive Austrian social insurance and social assistance benefits on the basis of contributions to social security schemes in their home countries, under reciprocal arrangements.

It is compulsory for anyone who is working as an employee in Austria to contribute to the state social insurance scheme. Contributions are income-related and are deducted direct from monthly salaries; there is also an employer contribution.

All members of the insurance scheme are issued with an E-card which should be shown in order to claim benefits under the scheme.

The self-employed and independent contractors are also required to contribute to the health insurance fund.