Diaper subsidies in Austria

How the various funding programs work in Austria!

The birth of a baby brings many changes – including to the household. Diapers are one of the biggest ongoing expenses. It's a good thing that in Austria there's the diaper voucher from the WIWA association and state funding in Carinthia! These financially support parents and simultaneously promote sustainable alternatives such as cloth diapers. In this article, we explain how the voucher and funding work, who receives them – and how to properly redeem them with your next cloth diaper order.

1. WIWA Association Diaper Voucher
2. Funding from the State of Carinthia
3. Funding from various municipalities

 

The Austrian diaper voucher from the WIWA association – and how to use it correctly!

What is the WIWA diaper voucher?

The WIWA association advocates for an environmentally friendly diaper choice – especially for modern cloth diapers, which reduce waste and are cheaper in the long run. In cooperation with many municipalities in Austria, a diaper voucher is made available to parents who choose cloth diapers.

The voucher amount varies depending on the municipality, but is usually between 50 and 100 Euros.

 

Who can get the diaper voucher?

The requirements can vary slightly depending on the municipality, but generally apply:

• Main residence in a participating municipality
• Proof of birth of a child
• Purchase of cloth diapers or accessories (e.g., wet bags, diaper inserts, etc.)
• Submission of invoice within a certain period (often within the first 2 years after birth)

It is best to inquire directly with your municipality or on the WIWA association's website:

www.verein-wiwa.at

 

How do I use the voucher correctly?

1. Buy cloth diapers – note that only LUMINA products from the shop are eligible for the voucher and that only a maximum of 10% of the voucher amount can be accessories
2. Keep the invoice – Important: The invoice must be issued in your name (or the eligible recipient).
3. Send diaper voucher – Send the diaper voucher with all copies (Vienna 3, rest of Austria 5) to us by post.
4. Wait for confirmation email – Once your voucher has been processed with all others once a month, you will receive an email confirming everything was in order.
5. Get your money back – As soon as the money from the WIWA association has arrived, we will transfer it back to you. (This can take up to 3 months)

 

Pro-Tip: Use cloth diaper consultation

To be sure what you need, we recommend a cloth diaper consultation. There you will learn:

• What systems are available (all-in-one, covers, prefolds, etc.)
• How to properly change and wash
• What materials are suitable for your baby

Especially for beginners, this is a great way to feel confident – and avoid wrong purchases.

Conclusion

The WIWA diaper voucher is a great way to save money when buying cloth diapers and at the same time contribute to the environment. If you were planning to use cloth diapers anyway, you should definitely not miss out on this bonus!

 

🌱 Cloth Diaper Funding in Carinthia: Up to €100 for Sustainable Diapering

Since 2020, the State of Carinthia has supported the purchase of cloth diapers with an attractive subsidy of up to €100 per child.

 

Who is eligible?

• Parents residing in Carinthia
• Parents who purchase new cloth diapers (incl. covers, inserts etc.) from an Austrian retailer
• Purchase made since 2020
• One application per child

 

What is funded?

• Cloth diapers, including accessories such as diaper covers, inserts, training pants – as long as the invoice comes from an Austrian company. The amount is based on the actual invoice value:
  • Up to €100 funding for any purchase price
  • Even small purchases (e.g. €80) are reimbursed up to the funding limit

How does the application process work?

1. Purchase cloth diapers, ideally with eligible accessories.
2. Retain invoice and proof of payment (payable with bank reference).
3. Fill out funding application – download the funding application here
4. Submit by email (Department 8 Environment/Nature Conservation Coordination):
5. abt8.innovation@ktn.gv.at
6. Reimbursement occurs after processing time (direct transfer).

 

💡 Tips for parents 

• Invoice recipient and account holder must be identical, otherwise no payment 
• Purchase from state-recognized retailers or online shops based in Austria.
• Funding is one-time per child – ideal for starter kit purchases

 

Funding from various municipalities

If your municipality does not support the WIWA diaper voucher, I still recommend checking with them. Often, municipalities or the waste management association of the respective municipality offer support, as you generate less waste.

TIP: By the way, Carinthian municipalities often offer additional support in addition to the state funding. ;)