Since Friday, 7 August 2026, the Austrian school start allowance has been paid together with the family allowance. It amounts to €121.40 per eligible child. A separate application is not necessary. The decisive factors are entitlement to family allowance and the child's date of birth.
Key facts at a glance
| Inspection point | Rule for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Amount | €121.40 per eligible child |
| Birth date range | 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 |
| Payment | together with the family allowance for August |
| proposal | no separate application required |
The age limit is assessed by calendar years. This means that in 2026 both children who will only turn six during the year and those who will celebrate their 15th birthday in 2026 are covered — provided the other requirements for the family allowance are met.
This amount is added depending on the number of children
- one eligible child: €121.40
- two eligible children: €242.80
- three eligible children: €364.20
The school start payment is an additional amount to the August family allowance. It is not a voucher and does not have to be activated for a specific purchase.
When should the money be in the account?
The Federal Chancellery names 7 August as the payment date for August 2026. For transfers to an account in the SEPA area, the monthly family allowance should be credited no later than the 8th of the month. The decisive factor is the actual credit to the registered payout account.
Four checks if the credit is missing
- Check date of birth: Is it between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2020?
- Check family allowance: Is there an ongoing entitlement for the child in August?
- Compare account details: Is the correct payout account still registered with the tax office?
- Clarify individual case: If a payment is missing or data have changed, the Austrian tax office is the competent authority. For general questions, the Federal Chancellery additionally points to its family service.
Do not proactively submit a supposed 'Schulstartgeld application': According to the Federal Chancellery, there is no separate application procedure for this payment. Changes of address or account number should be clarified directly through the tax office's official channels.
Three common misconceptions
- Not only for first graders: For 2026, the official birth period applies. The payment is not limited to children who are starting school for the first time in the autumn.
- Not only once per household: The amount applies to each child who meets the requirements. If two children have qualifying birth dates, it is therefore €121.40 twice.
- No separate funding portal: Because the payment is made automatically with the family allowance, parents do not have to search for an additional online application, upload any invoices, or activate any vouchers.
The school start allowance also does not replace the regular family allowance. It is paid out additionally in August and does not change the usual monthly entitlements.
Use the money specifically for the start of school
Before buying new notebooks, pens, or folders, it is worth taking an inventory. Our article Sort out school supplies and reuse them helps with checking existing materials. If possible, wait for the actual list from the school for class- or subject-specific products.
If you already have a school bag, safety is more important than a purely visual new purchase. Check straps, fasteners, and visibility; practical tips are provided in the guide Make school bags visible.
