Due to rising inflation and energy prices, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA) wants to provide more financial support for the disabled. Mobility allowances or special aids could be increased as part of the upcoming package of measures. The medical allowance for people in material need could be increased by 9.5 percent beginning in October.
“Disabled people are one of the groups most vulnerable to price rises. In most cases, they depend on the financial resources they are entitled to under the social assistance system. That is why, after seniors and families with children, we have focused on them,” Labour and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) said in a press release.
According to the ministry, the upcoming package aims to provide targeted support to disadvantaged citizens.
Due to high fuel prices, the mobility allowance should be increased from the current CZK 550 per month to CZK 900. The allowance was last increased by CZK 150 in January 2018. Last year, CZK 1.7 billion was paid out.
Jurečka said two weeks ago that the benefit could increase to CZK 900 from September to October. The media department reiterated the amount on Friday but did not give a date for the increase. The opposition also tabled an amendment to increase the allowance in the House. The SPD proposed a rise to CZK 800 and ANO to CZK 2,000.
Higher dietary allowance
The government also intends to provide more support for the employment of the disabled. Employers currently receive CZK 14,600 per month per disabled person employed. The MLSA wants to increase this amount by CZK 600 from July 1 retroactively.
People on a diet for health reasons, such as diabetes or celiac disease, could also receive more support from October. The one-off indexation due to price increases would be 9.5 percent.
The forthcoming proposal also includes an allowance for special aids such as lifting platforms. Currently, the maximum amount of CZK 400,000 can be supported. According to the ministry, the government considers it appropriate to increase this limit by CZK 100 000.