Austria’s National Council Unanimously Expands Trusted-Person Rights for Pension and Disability Medical Assessments
04.06.2026 - 08:05:23 | boerse-global.de
Starting in September 2026, anyone undergoing a medical examination by Austria’s Pension Insurance Institution (PVA) will be legally entitled to bring a trusted companion along. The change, approved unanimously by the National Council, marks a significant broadening of a right that previously existed only for assessments tied to the care-level classification (Pflegestufe).
The reform covers all PVA evaluations — including those for invalidity pensions, occupational-disability pensions, and retraining measures. It also extends to examinations conducted by the Social Ministry Service (Sozialministeriumservice), which handles determinations of the degree of disability and proceedings under the Social Compensation Act — specifically the Military Compensation Act, the Vaccination Damage Act, and the Victim Care Act.
ÖVP social spokesman August Wöginger said the reform creates “more transparent and fairer procedures.” Affected individuals will be informed in advance of their right to bring a companion. The one exception: unannounced home visits prompted by concrete suspicion of fraud, where a trusted person will not be permitted.
The bill cleared the Social Affairs Committee with backing from all parliamentary groups — ÖVP, SPÖ, NEOS, FPÖ, and the Greens. But the legislative package goes further. Lawmakers also approved plans for a code of conduct for medical assessors, a new complaint-management system, and a joint assessment authority. The goal is to standardise procedures across different branches of social insurance.
Fairness in procedures is a priority across Europe. For UK employers, demonstrating compliance with health and safety law is equally important. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides ready-to-use risk assessments and checklists that help you meet your legal duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Additional social-policy measures were adopted alongside the core reform. Starting 1 July 2026, single parents will gain access to a new support fund: roughly €240 per child per month, provided the household’s net income does not exceed €2,768.
The National Council also modernised the Notaries’ Pension Act. The age limit for entering the profession rises from 35 to 50, and the minimum pension will be tied to defined periods of insurance. These changes take effect on 1 January 2027.
