Prishtina, 12 January 2018
The monthly payment for families in the social assistance scheme will increase for 20% and such a proposal-decision has been presented today by the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Skender Reçica at the government meeting where it has received the approval of the governmental cabinet.
“The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, on the basis of its scope and mandate, in addition to the other social categories, has the aim and objective support of poor families, through the provision of social assistance payments, for families that meet the criteria according to Law no. 04 / L-096 on Amending and Supplementing the Law no. 2003/15 on the Social Assistance Scheme in Republic of Kosova “, emphasised Minister Reçica.
Based on data published by local and international institutions on poverty and unemployment, families in the Social Assistance Scheme continue to be the poorest and most striking economic and social strata.
Minister Reçica said that despite the price movement of some items within the basket of food, the amount of social assistance has not increased since 2015 and is not aligned with the price index. Therefore, based on research and analysis of the price movement and harmonization with the prices of the food basket, an increase of 20% was proposed, which was approved by the Cabinet.
Social Assistance Assistance is based on how many members there is a family for example. 1 member with 40 points x 1.50 euros, which will benefit 60 euros and maximum 15 family members with 120 points x 1.50 euros will benefit 180 euros per month. This increase will begin to apply from 1 January 2018.