ZAGREB, 14 Jan 2022 - The federation of associations of disabled persons in Croatia is satisfied with the final bills on social welfare whereby the monthly disability allowance has been raised from HRK 1,500 (€200) to HRK 1,750 (€233), and the means test has been abolished for eligibility to this entitlement.
Presenting the changes, lawmaker Ljubica Lukačić on Friday explained that the abolishment of the means tests to be eligible for the disability allowance would enable all disabled people, regardless of whether they are employed or receive pensions, to be entitled to the monthly disability allowance.
Currently, 40,000 people are eligible for the disability allowance, and the new law will encompass all people with disabilities, Lukačić said at a news conference held by the federation of associations of disabled persons in Zagreb.
She said that this and some other legislative amendments would improve the quality of life of the disabled.
The head of the Blind Persons' Association, Vojin Perić, told the news conference that a civilisation headway was made with the recognition of the potential, values and skills of persons with disabilities.
It is impossible to annul the effects of disabilities but one can try to minimise them, said Perić, thanking the prime minister and the government for their support in this regard.
The federation's vice president, Marica Mirić, also expressed satisfaction with the set of final bills that would help the disabled to be more included in society.
Presenting the social welfare bill and another six bills in the set that will overhaul the sectors of foster care, psychotherapy services, psychological services and other rehabilitation services and introduce some new services, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Josip Aladrović said on Thursday that housing allowances for people in need and people with disabilities would be increased.
Furthermore, a list of persons who can be awarded the status of carers will be extended.
The scope of persons who can be granted the status of carers will be expanded under the new laws, which will make it possible for more and more children with disabilities and disabled adults to remain in their own homes and thus make institutionalisation rates lower, he added.
