The thresholds for minimum income have been raised, thus increasing the direct financial support of approximately 100 000 people in Latvia and providing an opportunity to apply for various types of relief and other types of social assistance in their local government.
Minister of Welfare Uldis Augulis: 'It is gratifying that, in the tight budget and geopolitical situation, however, we are finding opportunities and fulfilling our promise to provide support to people in need. Raising minimum income thresholds is helping people in critical need. ”
January:
• The state social security benefit and minimum disability pension for people with disabilities have been increased.
• The amount of the minimum age pension calculation base has been increased.
• Increased minimum support for children and young people in the event of survivors.
• Increased minimum benefits for young people who have grown up in out-of-family care to support them in starting an independent life.
• The threshold for guaranteed minimum income has been increased, as well as the threshold for income of poor and low-income households.
Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia Andris Kuznieks: “Reforms of Latvia's Recovery and resilience Plan and investments in the field of social protection, including the reform of the minimum income level, are important support for the most vulnerable part of Latvian society. The implementation of these measures confirms the commitment of Latvia and the European Union to respect and strengthen fundamental values such as solidarity, equality, justice and human rights. Latvia has 1.97 billion euro available from the EU Recovery Fund and 32% or 632 million for social investments, so it is essential that all measures provided for in the Plan are implemented by 31 August 2026.”
Regular review and improvement of minimum income thresholds is a way of gradually contributing to the reduction of inequalities in society. Reducing income inequality is not only a priority for Latvia, but also for the European Union as a whole, therefore the minimum income reform has been included in the plan of the European Union Recovery Fund and has been implemented in Latvia since 2021.
More information on minimum income reform: https://www.lm.gov.lv/lv/minimalo-ienakumu-limena-reforma
