Austria has a comprehensive and generous social security system in place. Extensive measures are undertaken, including preventive care in health matters. Social services are geared mostly towards the elderly and people in need of care, persons with disabilities, the homeless, people in crisis situations (financial and social distress). Special support is also awarded to families and children.

Employees receive a number of benefits including pension, unemployment insurance and healthcare benefits. Every employee in Austria has a legal claim to at least five weeks' paid holiday per annum. If an employee falls ill, he or she either continues to be paid full wages or receives sick pay from the social insurance scheme.

Child labour is prohibited. Young people, women and mothers enjoy special protection as employees. Labour inspectors monitor compliance with the regulations applicable to the place of work (including measures to combat industrial disease and industrial accidents). A state benefit is payable on the birth of a child. Persons with their domicile in Austria who provide for children are also eligible to receive children's allowances.