MPs Definitively Greenlight Reform of Social Services Funding

Bratislava, 9 December (TASR) - MPs definitively approved a reform of social services financing on Tuesday, with the new law on allowances for assistance in cases of dependency on another person changing the way in which contributions are provided and introducing the new post of long-term carer. The bill was discussed via a fast-tracked legislative procedure. A total of 78 of the 144 lawmakers present voted in favour of the proposal. The others abstained from voting. In line with the new law, an allowance for assistance in dependency will be paid directly to the person in need of care. They will be able to decide whether to use it for family care at home provided by relatives or for formal home care services provided by professionals. The amount of the contribution should depend on the degree of dependency. The new role of long-term carer has been created, with this person able to perform a wider range of tasks related to nursing care. The law will take effect gradually, with the first phase to come into force as of 1 January 2026, the next one as of 1 July 2026 and the remainder as of 31 December 2026. The reason given for this is adjustments, with both social care providers and local governments needing time to implement the changes. am/df