Social security extension for disabled youth amid new support

• Non-contributory old age pension for people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and autism as a special needs grant

• Grant for disabled minors to be 50 per cent of non-contributory pension, full pension for adults

• Six new buses over next three years for National Disabilities Unit 

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has unveiled plans to enhance support for people living with disabilities, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and care for vulnerable members of society.

“Persons living with disabilities and their families experience severe challenges,” she said in Monday’s Budget, highlighting the societal obligation to assist them.

The prime minister said there were 833 children and some adults with various special needs attending educational institutions on the island.

However, the prime minister told the Lower Chamber that current regulations limit access to non-contributory old age pensions for only “blind” and “deaf-mute” individuals over 18. She has proposed expanding these categories from October 1 to include conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and autism, extending support to minors as well.

Mottley said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the special needs grant for minors with these conditions will be 50 per cent of the value of the non-contributory old-age pension, whilst it would be 100 per cent for adults. This measure will cost taxpayers approximately $4 million per year.”

Addressing mobility challenges, the finance minister announced plans to acquire more buses for the National Disabilities Unit, ensuring better transport services.

“The National Disabilities Unit acquired two new buses two years ago and will purchase two more in the coming financial year to further support persons living with disabilities. As resources allow, we will continue to acquire two buses annually for the next three years to ensure that the unit can service the community in need of these services,” she disclosed.

Mottley reaffirmed her government’s existing policy of granting customs duty, excise, and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions on wheelchair-adapted vehicles, the aim of which was to ease financial burdens for persons with disabilities and their families. (RG)