WOHNSCHIRM: For safe living conditions.
Wohnschirm MIETE helps if you have rental debts and are at risk of losing your home.
Wohnschirm Housing First supports people without a home or shelter in finding a place to live.
Wohnschirm ENERGIE steps in when electricity or heating might be shut off—or has already been shut off.
Wohnschirm helps people in different situations:
- You couldn’t pay rent for the last two months and might lose your home?
- You have no home and don’t know what to do next?
- You have high energy debts and your heating has already been shut off?
If you are facing homelessness, renal debts, or an energy shutoff:
Visit us for a free consultation!
Can Wohnschirm MIETE
help me?
- You have rental debts and
- can not pay them.
- Your main residence is in Austria.
All requirements will be discussed during a personal appointment. Visit us for a free consultation.
During the free consultations it will be clarified whether WOHNSCHIRM MIETE is the right support option for you.
- What are your housing costs?
- What is the total amount of your rental debts?
- How much money do you have available each month?
Here you can find information which documents you should bring to the consultation.

Ayla (29), Shop assistant, single mother
Problem:
Two months of unpaid rent: 1490 Euro.
The landlord has already sent a warning letter.
Ayla is scared of being evicted.
Solution:
WOHNSCHIRM MIETE contacts the landlord and pays the rental debts.
Ayla gets information about her financial and legal right after the job loss.
Frequently asked questions WOHNSCHIRM MIETE
When can WOHNSCHIRM MIETE support me?
- You have rental debts, and
- you are unable to pay them.
- Your main residence is in Austria..
Please contact a counselling center in your area and make an appointment. All requirements will be discussed with you in a personal consultation. Both the consultation and the application process are free of charge.
How can WOHNSCHIRM MIETE support me?
During the consultation, your financial situation will be assessed:
- What are your housing costs?
- What ist the total amount of your rent debts?
- How much money do you have available each month?
The consultation will also address:
- If WOHNSCHIRM can cover your rent debts?
- Or if WOHNSCHIRM can provide financial assistance to move into a more affordable appartment?
In some cases, consultations can be offered in other languages. Please contact a counselling center in your area for more information.
What do I need to bring to the consulation?
Please bring important documents related to your housing situation and income, such as:
- Identification (e.g. driver’s license, ID card, passport)
- Proof of income for all household members (e.g. pay slips)
- Registration form
- Rental agreement
- Letters or emails from your landlord or landlady, the court, or a lawyer. These should show the amount of rental debt.
What costs can WOHNSCHIRM MIETE help with?
WOHNSCHIRM MIETE provides financial assistance with rental debts.
This support may also cover:
- Court fees
- Late payment charges
- Operating costs, if billed through your landlord or landlady
The following costs are not covered:
- Debts incurred to pay the rent (e.g., loans from the bank or debts to family members)
To whom will the support payment be transferred?
Outstanding rental payments will be transferred directly to your landlord or landlady. Support for moving costs will be transferred directly to you.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
Currently, many people are applying for WOHNSCHIRM support. As a result, processing times may be longer than usual. Your application will be processed in any case.
If you receive a termination notice, eviction lawsuit, or scheduled eviction date while waiting, please reach out to a counselling center near you. In this case you application can be processed faster.
Both you and your counselling center will be informed in writing about the outcome of your application, whether it is approved or denied.
I’ve received a termination notice / an eviction lawsuit / an eviction date. What should I do?
Has your landlord or landlady given notice to end your tenancy? Has the court contacted you? Do you already have an eviction date? In urgent situations like these, your application can be prioritized.
Please contact your local counselling center.
If you have already submitted an application, get in touch with the same counselling center and inform them that your situation has changed.
Can I receive support if I am subletting?
Yes. During your counselling appointment, it will be determined whether your rental debts can be covered or whether financial support for moving is possible.
Can I receive support if I’m renting a house instead of a flat?
Yes. Support is not dependent on whether you rent a house or an apartment.
In your counselling appointment, it will be assessed whether your rental debts can be covered or whether you may receive financial assistance for moving.
I have rent arrears at my secondary residence. Can these be covered too?
No. Rent debts are only covered for your primary residence.
Can Wohnschirm Housing First
help me?
Do you live in Austria and are you homeless? For example:
- You live in a temporary dormitory.
- You have shelter, but no permanent home — such as depending on others in order not to lose a place to sleep.
- You are currently living in an emergency shelter or on the streets.
Visit us for a free consultation.
Here you can find, detailed information on the documents required for your consultation.

Bea (32), Receptionist
Problem:
Salary and family benefits are barely covering food, clothing and rent.
The deposit for a new apartment is unaffordable. The situation is emotionally draining..
Solution:
Housing comes first
WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST supports Bea in finding the right home and covers the deposit. Her social worker guides her through the entire process—before and after moving in—significantly easing the burden.
She and her children have a long-term, stable home of their own.

Günther (62), former construction worker
Problem:
Due to his increasing physical challenges, he is no longer able to work. He needs help with solving his financial problems.
Solution:
Housing comes first.
His social worker supports Günther and helps him to apply for early retirement. With WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST he can move into affordable cooperative housing.
He continues to receive the support he needs after moving in.
Frequently asked questions WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST
When can WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST help me?
- You are homeless or without permanent housing.
- You are unable to change your situation on your own.
- You have a low income.
- You live in Austria.
- You are over 18 years old.
Please contact a counselling center in your area and schedule an appointment. All requirements will be discussed during a personal appointment.
The counselling and application process are free of charge.
How does WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST help me?
During an initial consultation, you’ll talk through your current situation. For example:
- Where are you currently staying?
- Is your aim to move into your own apartment?
- How much money do you have available each month?
- What kind of support do you need?
A counselor will check whether you meet the requirements and can help you submit an application for WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST.
What happens if your application is approved?
Support and Housing Placement
A social worker will assist you in finding a suitable and affordable apartment. WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST can also cover the deposit or initial financial contribution. You will sign your own rental contract and pay your own rent.
Before and after you move in, your social worker will support and guide you through a variety of topics. For example:
- If you are dealing with health issues,
- If you need to apply for social benefits but don’t know how,
- Or if you’re unsure how to register electricity and gas in your new home.
To get started, please reach out to a counselling center in your area.
What should I bring to the consultation?
If available, please bring important documents related to your housing situation and your income. For example:
- ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license, national ID card)
- Proof of your housing situation (e.g. residence registration confirmation, homelessness registration, letter from assisted housing or emergency shelter)
- Proof of income for all household members (e.g. payslips, family allowance confirmation, AMS letter about unemployment benefits)
You will receive further information during your appointment at the counselling center.
Can I submit an application online?
No. Please make an appointment at a counselling center.
A counselor will talk with you about your situation and find out if WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST is the right support for you. If it is, you’ll fill out the application together.
When am I considered roffless or homeless?
You are considered roofless if you are sleeping rough or staying in an emergency shelter. For example:
- You sleep on the street.
- You sleep in a tent.
- Or you stay in an emergency shelter.
You are considered without housing if you do have a shelter but no home of your own. For example:
- You sleep at a friend’s or acquaintance’s place and rely on them so you don’t have to sleep on the street.
- You live in a homeless shelter.
- You stay in a women’s shelter.
- Or you live in a facility for displaced persons.
I might lose my apartment because of rent debts. Is WOHNSCHIRM HOUSING FIRST the right program for me?
Please contact a WOHNSCHIRM MIETE counselling center.
WOHNSCHIRM MIETE can cover rental debts or support you financially if moving to a more affordable home is necessary.
I am homeless and urgently need a place to sleep. What should I do?
Here you can find a list of all homeless assistance facilities in Austria.
Can Wohnschirm ENERGIE
help me?
- You have unpaid energy bills (e.g. electricity, gas, district heating) and are unable to pay them.
- Your energy provider has announced a shutoff or has already shut off your energy supply.
- You have a low income. Here you can find information on income limits and eligibility. Here you will find more information about income.
- Your main residence is in Austria.
All requirements will be discussed during a personal appointment. Please contact a local counselling center for your free consultation.
During the free consultations it will be clarified whether WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE is the right support option for you..
- What are your current energy costs?
- How much energy debt do you have?
- How much money do you have available each month?
Here you can find, detailed information on the documents required for your consultation.

Peter (42), marginally employed
Problem:
Open invoices and additional payment:
1.560 Euro
Final notice: Shutoff date set.
Solution:
WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE contacts the energy provider. The outstanding invoices are taken over
The unpaid bills are covered. The consultation will assess whether changing providers is a viable solution.
Frequently asked questions WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE
When can I receive support from WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE?
- You have unpaid energy bills (e.g. electricity, gas, district heating) and are unable to pay them.
- Your energy provider has announced a disconnection or has already cut off your energy supply.
- You have a low income. Here you can find information on income limits and eligibility.
- Your main residence is in Austria.
Please note: WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE is a one-time support program. If you have already received help from WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE the past, you cannot apply again.
Please contact a counselling center near your area and make an appointment. All requirements will be discussed during a personal appointment.
Counselling and application are free of charge.
How does WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE help me?
During the consultation, your financial situation will beassessed:
- What are your current energy costs?
- How much energy debt do you have?
- How much money do you have available each month?
Additionally, the following will be discussed:
- Your energy provider has announced a disconnection? WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE can cover outstanding energy bills. The counselling center will help prevent the disconnection.
- Your energy has already been disconnected? WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE can cover the outstanding energy bills. The counselling center will help restoring your energy.
In some cases, counselling is available in other languages. Please contact a counselling center in your area.
What should I bring to the counselling session?
Please bring important documents related to your housing situation and income, such as:
- ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, national ID card)
- Registration form
- Proof of income for all household members (e.g., payslips)
- Energy bills (e.g., electricity, gas, district heating)
- A letter or email: disconnection warning or proof of disconnection
What is the maximum income to be eligible for support?
Here you can find more information about the income limits.
The following are considered as income:
- Earnings from self-employment or employment (excluding holiday and Christmas bonuses)
- AMS benefits such as unemployment or emergency assistance
- Social assistance, minimum income support
- Pension payments
- Family allowance, childcare allowance, alimony
- Housing or rent assistance
- Sick pay
The following are not considered income:
- Care allowance
- 24-hour care subsidies
- Increased family allowance
Which costs can be covered by WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE?
WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE provides financial support when your energy is about to be disconnected or has already been disconnected.
In this context, reminder fees may also be covered.
However, debts incurred to pay your energy bills (e.g., a bank loan or money borrowed from relatives) cannot be covered.
Who receives the payment?
The support payment is transferred directly to your energy provider. If this is not possible, WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE may transfer the money to you in exceptional cases.
How long does it take for my application to be processed?
Currently, many people are applying for WOHNSCHIRM support. This may lead to longer processing times. However, your application will be processed.
I have energy debts but no disconnection notice. Can WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE still help me?
No. WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE can only help if:
- You have already received a disconnection notice with a scheduled disconnection date.
- Or your energy (electricity, gas, or district heating) has already been disconnected.
Do I need an energy supply contract? What is that exactly?
Yes, you must have an active energy supply contract for WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE to support you. WOHNSCHIRM ENERGIE can only cover debts from active energy contracts.
You have an energy supply contract if you receive energy from an energy provider (e.g., electricity, gas, district heating).
Where can I find my counselling centre?
Use the search function or skip the search and map to access the accessible list of counselling centres as a PDF.