Most frequently asked questions

What training do I need / what conditions must I fulfil to work at Volkshilfe?

That depends on the area you are interested in. Please take a look at our job board.

Can anyone use the Volkshilfe shops or do you need a special shopping card?

Anyone, who wants to, can use the Volkshilfe shops.
›› Here you can find all Volkshilfe shops.

Why does Volkshilfe do so much for foreigners and not for Austrians?

It does not matter to us whether someone is an Austrian or a foreigner.
We help Austrians living in poverty just as we help people, who have had to flee from a war zone or disaster area.

Can I choose whether someone comes to the home from the Volkshilfe or from another mobile care organisation?

No. The regional government assigns the areas to the different organisations. This determines which organisation operates where.

Can I apply to Volkshilfe for financial support?

Yes. In emergencies, we help quickly and without lots of bureaucracy. Please contact your nearest Volkshilfe district office directly.

Here you can find the address of your Volkshilfe district office.

Why does Volkshilfe receive funding?

Volkshilfe does not receive any funding.

Volkshilfe carries out different services and issues an invoice for those services.

As our services are normally social services, they are often paid for by public bodies such as the regional government, municipal authorities or Federal Social Office.

How big is Volkshilfe?

Very big. 9,000 men and women work at Volkshilfe in Austria. There are 1,900 employees in Upper Austria.
We are thus one of the very large companies and among the most important service providers in the social sector.

Who runs Volkshilfe?

It’s hard to say. There is a head of each district. And then we also have heads of different areas.

The chairman of Volkshilfe Upper Austria is Michael Schodermayr.
The head and managing director of Volkshilfe Upper Austria is Karl Osterberger.

Is Volkshilfe part of a political party?

No. Volkshilfe is politically independent. But we believe in social democracy. After all, our roots are in the labour movement.