1 billion euros allocated for the disabled in Latvia: how to receive at least a small part of it

One billion a year from the state budget

As reported in January by Maya Aboliņa, a member of the State Audit Office Council, at a meeting of the Saeima Committee on Public Expenditures and Audits, in our country "overall understanding of the status of disability is correct, however, the status of disability does not achieve its goal in all cases."

There are three groups of disabilities: very severe (I), severe (II), and moderate (III), which serve different purposes — from maintaining a decent existence to full inclusion in independent life.

Expenditures from the state budget for payments to the disabled exceed 1 billion euros, i.e., more than 6% of Latvia's total expenditure. It can be concluded immediately that the country underpays this category of people by more than one and a half times. Because, if a disabled person is encountered more often than every tenth Latvian, then the allocations should be at least 10%? But then they would approach military spending, which for 2026 is 2.16 billion euros. And how is it — to take money away from the warriors...

Local governments, of course, also try to assist the sick and disabled — but compared to the state budget, their share is extremely insignificant, just over 20 million euros.

The most numerous group of disabled individuals is Group III — 43%. But they, as it turns out, are entitled to the least from the state budget — 94.3 million. "There are no special services for this target group," states the State Audit Office.

What will VDEĀVK say

This abbreviation hides a well-known, unfortunately, to many of our compatriots structure — the State Expert Commission of Physicians on Health and Work Ability. It is located on Ventspils Street, in Pardaugava. So, for residents, say, of Jugla or Vecmilgrāvis — it is quite difficult to get there. The institution's website, like all state offices, operates only in Latvian and English. As we know, there are a lot of English-speaking disabled people...

"Overall, the Commission's activities are assessed as follows, - the audit notes, - disability is assigned in accordance with regulatory acts, however, not in all cases in a timely manner, and the process needs improvement."

Institutions studying specific cases "do not see" people as a whole. "The direction and the information justifying it — are still on paper and far from digitalization. Assigning disability based on functional impairments, rather than diagnosis — is still in a transitional phase."

Despite the Commission being assigned additional financial resources allowing for the hiring of staff, no fundamental changes in operations have occurred. Apparently, also because they have to "perform an atypical function" — extending sick leave after 26 weeks.

Tasks for the five-year plan

The State Audit Office has put forward a number of proposals to improve the situation for the disabled:

• Assign status according to the needs of people, rather than a formal diagnosis;

• When assigning disability, VDEĀVK should assess the support and advice needed for the specific person regarding the rehabilitation plan;

• Balance the opportunities for receiving services and transportation.

It is unfortunate, of course, that an utterly unrealistic deadline has been set for the implementation of all these wonderful ideas — 2031! Alas, many in the target group simply will not live to see it...

What can the municipality do

As mentioned above, local authorities have much less money than the state. "On the ground," the disabled primarily face specific local governments. In one, they may receive a substantial 35 hours of assistance per week — while in another, only 10. Likewise, the procedure for issuing disability parking permits is considered a "bureaucratic model" by the State Audit Office.

In Riga, meanwhile, assistance in employment is provided to disabled individuals with visual, hearing, speech impairments, as well as those with internal organ diagnoses through the organization Apeirons. To be able to work according to their skills and abilities, one must first contact the local social service at their place of residence. They will help:

• Find available job openings;

• Search for vacancies in the online environment, printed press, or various databases;

• Write a CV;

• Join a support group and meet with specialists from the State Employment Agency and the State Social Insurance Agency.

Disabled individuals are also taken on tours of enterprises, supported during job interviews, and assisted after employment.

Transportation costs

Regarding transportation costs, individuals with special needs — and their legal representatives — can apply for the use of specialized minibuses or taxis, or receive compensation for fuel for personal transport — 284.57 euros per year or 23.73 euros per month. For those suffering from kidney failure who require hemodialysis — 71.14 euros per month.

The same amount is allocated to individuals attending social care institutions, as well as receiving social, professional, and medical rehabilitation services. If a disabled person is socially active — studying or working, they are entitled to 30 euros per month.

The local government provides a one-time (unfortunately, once a year!) opportunity to use specialized transport if, for example, a person is heading to an inpatient medical, rehabilitation, or social institution — and without a VDEĀVK certificate.

Support from Riga

Almost 3 years ago, the Riga City Council adopted rules Nr. RD-23-193-sn, under which the local government provides support to individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs and those with visual impairments. The first group can receive up to 6000 euros, and the second up to 2250 euros.

These amounts are intended to carry out necessary housing adaptations, increase activity, and reduce dependence on others. In each specific case, the Welfare Department individually assesses the client's capabilities; for the installation of a lift, the budget can be up to 10,000 euros, or the use of a mobile lift. More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Riga Social Service at 67105048, 25770080.

Individuals with visual, movement, or mental disorders can also receive assistance from assistants for activities outside their homes, during study, work, and for various services. If a family is raising a child with special needs, a range of support forms is provided until the child reaches 18 years of age, linked to the parents' employment.

As your author has discovered, this option can be accessed in the digital environment — through the portal Latvija.lv. However, it is necessary to go through 9 formal steps, which will seem to many, unfortunately, like nine circles of hell.

Well, the most common form of support for all disabled individuals starting from Group III is free public transport in the capital. The main thing here, of course, is to reach the stop on icy and snowy streets...

HELP PHONE NUMBERS

To contact regarding transportation with lifts for moving people in wheelchairs or lying down, you can call:

• 67339265, 26317267 (Society "St. John's Aid");

• 8898, 29395595 (Society "Latvian Samaritan Association");

• 67212775, 25900071 (Society "Latvian Red Cross").