This week, the Verkhovna Rada adopted in the first reading draft law No. 14191, which provides changes to the system of assistance to persons with disabilities and their families. According to the new law, the amount of social assistance will no longer depend on the subsistence minimum but will be calculated based on the minimum wage.
The draft law provides a wide range of services for families in need of assistance – from early intervention and inclusive support for children with disabilities to support for parents aimed at preventing their burnout. This is an important step in the sphere of social payments that has been considered for a long time and has now become a reality thanks to the decision of the Verkhovna Rada.
“We propose to ensure a decent life for such families. We propose to provide children with early intervention, support at school or at home, and also the opportunity for parents to rest at the state's expense,” emphasized the head of the financial committee, Danilo Hetmantsev.
As part of this law, families will be given the option to choose the method of receiving assistance – in cash, non-cash, or through a social card. The procedures for submitting documents will also be simplified and the process of applying for assistance will be fully digitized.
Support and reforms in the field of social services
Various members of parliament expressed support for the new law, considering it a step forward for Ukrainian families with children with disabilities. These new rules would allow families not just to survive but to live a full life, regardless of local self-government.
“It is important to show that we are a country where social services are equal across the territory, regardless of the money of local communities,” emphasized member of parliament Georgiy Mazurashu.
The draft law also provides for medical provision, access to medical products, and reimbursement of expenses. This is a significant step in the development of early intervention services for families who need it. All proposed changes have received broad support among members of parliament and are considered important for improving the social protection of children with disabilities and their families in Ukraine.
The new law on assistance to persons with disabilities in Ukraine provides significant changes in the social support system aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and their families. The reforms provide for the calculation of assistance based on the minimum wage, a wide range of services for families, simplified procedures, and support in the field of medical provision. This will be an important step towards ensuring a more dignified and fulfilling life for people with disabilities in Ukraine.