The Riga municipality has approved extensive changes to the social services system — from expanding access and increasing funding to simplifying procedures. The new rules aim to make assistance more accessible, flexible, and focused on the real needs of residents, especially families with children with functional disorders.
Expansion of service accessibility
To receive services from the social care center, which is closer to a family environment, co-financing from the Riga municipality will now be available for services throughout Latvia (previously — only in Riga and nearby). The range of individuals eligible for video visits and other social services has been expanded, not just home care clients. For individuals with severe mental disorders, the rights to receive services from day care centers have been expanded; another such center is planned to be established by 2027.
A new type of co-financing has been introduced for certain social rehabilitation programs for children with functional disorders (up to 4500 euros per year for approximately 100 families), and the municipality's co-financing for home care has increased from 610 euros per month to 690 euros per month.
The content of the individual social rehabilitation program and its individual application has been clarified and established, with the introduction of a declared place of residence criterion.
Changes in co-financing procedures
Control has been ensured to prevent double financing, while maintaining the possibility for individuals to participate in co-payment according to the assessment of the social worker.
The application of co-financing has been clarified — it is determined based on the actual budget volume, rather than automatically from January 1. In emergency situations, the municipality also covers expenses for short-term care in institutions without income assessment if care cannot be provided at the place of residence.
Exceptions for co-payment for meals in day centers and short-term care services have been clarified to ensure equal access for individuals with low-income household status.
The municipality's co-financing for a number of services has been increased in light of rising prices, for example, for psychological support services — from 38 to 43 euros, as well as for the respite service for children — from 5030 to 8550 euros per year.
Simplification of administrative procedures
The management of queues and the issuance of referrals to individuals registered in the queue for social services with municipal co-financing, as well as the conclusion of service contracts, will be handled by the Department of Welfare.
Administrative procedures are being simplified, as the document flow (psychiatrist's conclusion, family doctor's certificate, and other supporting documents) will now occur between the Social Service and the service provider, rather than being required from the client.
Restrictions on the validity period of documents, which previously led to the need for repeated submission of medical certificates even with unchanged health conditions, have been canceled.
Amendments more clearly define the principles of queue formation, the procedure for providing services, and clarify the rights and obligations of all parties involved.
