# Austrian disability rights and social benefit reforms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/austrian-disability-rights-and-social-benefit-reforms > Updated: 2026-08-28T09:05:22.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. In September 2026, Austria will implement new regulations concerning medical assessments and social benefits for individuals with disabilities. A primary component of this reform is the legal right for individuals to be accompanied by a trusted person during medical assessments conducted by the Pension Insurance Institution (PVA). This right, which was previously restricted to care allowance assessments, will expand to include evaluations for disability, incapacity to work, and occupational disability pensions. The regulation also covers examinations commissioned by the Social Ministry Service for determining disability degrees related to parking permits or disability passes. The Austrian Disability Council has welcomed the measure as a long-standing demand, though its president, Klaus Widl, indicated that further improvements are necessary regarding assessor training, transparency, and barrier-free environments. Additionally, the reform introduces stricter rules regarding unreported employment for those receiving emergency assistance or unemployment benefits. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Austria to implement new rights for people with disabilities From September 2026, people with disabilities in Austria will have the right to bring a trusted person to medical assessments for pensions and disability permits. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-to-implement-new-rights-for-people-with-disabilities ### 2026-08-21: Austria to reform Parent-Child Pass program in 2026 Austria will launch a reformed Parent-Child Pass program in October 2026, featuring new pregnancy examinations and increased medical fees for practitioners. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austria-to-reform-parent-child-pass-program-in-2026 --- Cite as: Austrian disability rights and social benefit reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/austrian-disability-rights-and-social-benefit-reforms