More than 300 new beneficiaries will be receiving some form of disability assistance, following the launch of the fourth level of assistance for persons with disabilities. This benefit was announced in the 2026 Budget, in order to support those persons whose degree of non-functionality is not low but slightly below average, and who are still not covered to date.
This benefit is recognizing more people with physical or other hidden disabilities, who have already appeared before an Inter-Professional Board, which decided on the eligibility of the cases.
These details were announced during a press conference by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, together with the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.
Minister Michael Falzon said that these beneficiaries now join others who received disability-related payments and who over the past few weeks have received increases in their entitlement as announced in Budget 2026.
So far, more than 300 beneficiaries will be benefiting from this new benefit, with a total investment of approximately €1.3 million for this year.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how “Budget 2026 clearly shows the way our country, and this Government, views disability. We are not just talking about increases or technical measures, but about a serious investment in people with disability and their families, built on empathy, on the understanding of everyday realities and on the will to leave no one behind. Budget 2026 is the largest investment ever made in the field of disability, and shows in a concrete way that for this Government, inclusion, dignity and social justice are not simply slogans, but a priority that is reflected in our policies and daily actions.”
Minister Farrugia concluded by saying that these increases mean more peace of mind, more stability and more dignity in the daily lives of persons with disability and their families.
Meanwhile, this benefit is targeted at those people who had a score between 30% and 44.99% and were not receiving any assistance. Now, these people have already appeared before the Inter-Professional board and those people who were given a score between 30% and 44.99% have been identified and notified through a personalized letter that they will start receiving the new benefit.
The payment will be deposited into their bank account by Saturday 24th January 2026 and will include arrears from 3rd January 2026 onwards.
Photos (DOI/MSPC-MIV)
