Children with disabilities under the age of 18 will receive government-funded therapy under measures announced in Malta's Budget 2027, which also provides for higher financial support for carers and people with disabilities.
The Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations is set to receive an allocation of €75 million, an increase of €7 million over the previous year.
Minister Julia Farrugia said the measures are intended to provide greater support to families while improving independence and quality of life for people with disabilities.
Free Therapy for Children Under 18
The government plans to cover the cost of necessary therapies for eligible children with disabilities under 18, building on the existing reimbursement scheme of up to €1,000 annually.
The current reimbursement arrangement will continue between January and June 2027 for eligible EU Disability Card holders. A new payment system, administered by Aġenzija Sapport, is expected to begin from June.
The existing €1,000 assistance for young people with disabilities aged between 18 and 23 will remain in place.
Carer's Grant to Rise to €7,500
The annual Carer's Grant for parents unable to work because of their child's severe disability will increase to €7,500, representing a rise of almost 40%.
Eligible parents working part-time for no more than 20 hours per week will also be able to receive support at a rate equivalent to half the net national minimum wage.
Higher Benefits and New Respite Centres
Around 15,000 people, including people with disabilities, carers and social assistance recipients, are expected to benefit from increases linked to the national minimum wage and cost-of-living adjustment.
Increased Severe Disability Assistance will rise by €9.37 per week, while other specified benefits will increase by €6.41 weekly.
From 2027, eligible contributory pensioners who previously received disability benefits or an industrial injury pension will receive 20% of their former benefit instead of 10%.
The minister also announced plans for investment in two new respite centres, with further details expected during discussions on the ministry's budget estimates.
