On Thursday, 24 September, the Saeima adopted in the final reading urgent amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Assistance, which provide for increasing the amount of housing allowance and expanding eligibility for low-income households during the 2026/2027 heating season.

From 1 November this year to 30 April next year, the coefficients used to calculate housing allowance will be increased for various groups of the population. Greater support is envisaged for pensioners and persons with disabilities living alone, households consisting only of pensioners or persons with disabilities, families with children, as well as other households. For example, for pensioners and persons with disabilities living alone, the coefficient will be increased from 2.1 to 2.5, while for families with children and households consisting only of pensioners or persons with disabilities it will be increased from 1.7 to 2.

The changes are necessary in view of the projected increase in heating costs in certain populated areas and the need to provide greater support to vulnerable groups during the heating season.

According to the explanatory note to the draft law, the number of housing allowance recipients during the heating season could increase by 2 232 persons per month, reaching an average of 37 610 recipients, while the average amount of allowance per person could rise from EUR 149 to EUR 174 per month.

Municipal social services will recalculate housing allowances already granted in accordance with the new conditions without requiring an application from residents. Municipalities will also have access to state funding to cover additional expenditure, including housing allowance payments and supplements for employees of social services involved in implementing the amendments.

Saeima Press Service