BRATISLAVA, August 2, (WEBNOVINY) — The basic welfare benefit to persons in material-need should decrease from the current EUR 60.5 to EUR 37.97 as of the beginning of next year, according to the draft bill on material need that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs tabled for interdepartmental review. The basic sum is to account for 20 percent of the minimum subsistence level, which the ministry considers “financial expression of constitutional guarantee of securing the basic living conditions”. The state should grant citizens unable to improve their unfavorable social situation for objective reasons a solidarity benefit amounting to 40 percent of the subsistence level, which should be EUR 75.94 next year. For example old-age or disabled pensioners or pregnant women would be eligible for the solidarity benefit.
Apart from the basic benefit, the possibility of being granted a motivational benefit at two levels is considered. The motivational benefit should represent 20 percent of the subsistence level (EUR 37.97) and 45 percent of the subsistence level. The lower sum of the motivational benefit should be granted to persons who participate in programs organized by community centers, civic associations, non-profit organizations, foundations and activities organized by the free-time centers. Job applicants who are extramural students at secondary schools or universities or attend training or educational programs to prepare for the labor market or engage in activating activities in the form of minor municipal services should receive a higher motivational benefit.
The motivational benefit for dependent pre-school children is to amount to 15 percent of the subsistence level (EUR 28.5), provided a child attends a community center or kindergarten or is in educational process. The motivational benefit of 25 percent of the subsistence level (EUR 47.5) is to go to children attending compulsory education or children continuing full-time studies at a secondary school after completing compulsory education.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs also suggests changes to the housing benefits with effect as of the beginning of next year. The draft bill on the housing benefit determines minimal housing expenses, which the ministry suggests to be defined in two volumes, namely for one-member household at EUR 68.91 monthly and for more than a one-member household at EUR 116.98 monthly.
SITA
