The Council of Ministers has approved a new package of social measures aimed at expanding financial support for people with disabilities, their families and personal caregivers, introducing higher benefits and administrative reforms.

Under the package, financial assistance for 10,240 children with disabilities will be doubled, with the government allocating an additional 750 million lek (approximately €7.5 million) from the state budget. The increased payments will take effect retroactively from July 1, 2026.

The government said the measure is intended to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities by easing the financial burden on families while promoting early intervention, skills development and greater social inclusion.

The reform package also removes the requirement for beneficiaries with multi-year eligibility to submit medical documentation annually to disability assessment commissions. Officials said the change is designed to reduce bureaucracy, shorten administrative procedures and lower costs for beneficiaries.

In a separate measure, the government approved the recognition of contributory insurance periods for 14,657 personal caregivers of people with disabilities. The initiative, which carries an additional budget cost of 674 million lek, will enter into force on September 1, 2026.

Under the decision, the time spent providing personal care will count toward social security and health insurance contributions, a move the government says is intended to strengthen home-based care and reduce reliance on institutional care.

The package also includes amendments to existing regulations governing disability benefits, financial assistance for blind citizens, disability assessment procedures and special social protection measures for unemployed women raising three or more children under the age of 18.

The measures form part of the government's broader efforts to expand social protection and improve support services for vulnerable groups.