Coalition Says that Changes in Compensation for Disabled are Significant

Bratislava, June 11 (TASR) – Compensation for people with severe disabilities is one of the top priorities for the current governing coalition, said Labour Minister Jan Richter (Smer-SD) after the approval of several changes to an amendment to the Act on Cash Benefits for Compensation for Severe Disability by the parliamentary social committee on Monday.

“Compensation for people with severe disabilities is one of the top priorities for the current Cabinet,” said Richter, adding that the Government’s goal is that caregivers should receive the net minimum wage at the end of the electoral term.

According to MP Robert Fico (Smer-SD), these changes are significant in providing help to people with disabilities. “We’re talking about a package of about €40 million for the disabled. I’m very glad that when the Slovak economy is doing well and we’re able to adopt various social measures aimed at increasing the standard of living that we’re also able to make decisions in relation to the people who need it,” stated Fico.

Earlier on Monday, members of the parliamentary social committee approved several changes in compensations for people with severe disabilities. The hourly rate for personal assistance should be increased by €1 to €3.82. A contribution for parents who care for a child with a severe disability should be increased too, namely to €100 per month from the current level of €49.80. The amendment to the Act on Cash Benefits for Compensation for Severe Disability is currently in its second reading and the plenum will deal with it at a session that starts on Tuesday, June 12.