The mobility allowance for people with disabilities is likely to rise from the current CZK 550 to CZK 900 per month. The CZK 2,900 allowance will then be paid to people who cannot do without energy-intensive breathing support devices. The increase in support will be brought about by a government amendment on the provision of benefits, which the Senate approved on Thursday without discussion.
53 of the 61 members present were in favor. No one was against it.
The draft, which also increases the state subsidy for lifting platforms by up to a quarter and makes other changes, will now be presented to President Miloš Zeman for signature.
Around 260,00 people receive the mobility allowance. “Given the rise in consumer prices for many products and the rise in fuel prices, it is necessary to specifically support the preservation of the real value of this benefit,” the government wrote in its explanatory memorandum. The subsidy has been paid for about ten years. In the first years, it amounted to CZK 400, but four years ago, it increased by CZK 150.
Up to half a million for a lifting platform
A mobility allowance of CZK 2,900 a month for people with assisted breathing devices made it into the amendment in the House of Commons. “The purpose is to support people using medical devices, which are the most demanding in terms of electricity consumption,” the drafters said. According to the draft, the authorities will pay it until the end of 2024. The health insurance company will confirm the entitlement.
The government’s amendment increases the state allowance for a lifting platform from CZK 100,000 to CZK 500,000. According to the cabinet, the increase reflects the rise in these devices in the last two years due to, for example, a shortage of some parts and an increase in container transport prices.
Labor and Social Affairs Minister Marian Jurečka (KDU-ČSL) said at the introduction of the amendment before senators that the increase in allowances represents help for one of the most vulnerable groups of the population.
Adjustments to paternity leave
In addition, the amendment modifies the rules for granting paternity leave and funeral allowances and the reporting of quarantines. Under the amendment, entitlement to paternity leave will also arise in cases where a child is stillborn or dies in its sixth month.
The law compares the conditions of men and women who have maternity leave after the death of an offspring. According to the draft, the employer will have to release the father on paternity leave; otherwise, he could face a fine of up to CZK 500,000.
The amendment will extend the provision of funeral benefits to a stillborn child. The draft will also introduce complete computerization of quarantine reports.