275,000 families and individuals to receive year-end bonus from Albanian Government
The Albanian government has announced a €150 year-end bonus for 275,000 families and individuals who are part of social assistance programs. The initiative, funded with a state budget allocation of ALL 2.1 billion, was approved during the cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Why is this important: Families and individuals in vulnerable social categories receive very low monthly payments, which have seen modest increases over the past decade. This government decision aims to provide much-needed support for those living at or below the minimum living standard particularly during the holiday season.
Context: The beneficiaries of this initiative include families under the economic assistance scheme, children without parental care, individuals with disabilities such as paraplegics and tetraplegics, and those with legally recognized blindness. For the first time, end-of-year bonuses will also be extended to 18,000 caregivers and assistants of people with disabilities.
Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu, speaking after the cabinet meeting, highlighted that the government is exploring the possibility of revising the economic assistance scheme. The aim is to improve the integration and empowerment of these vulnerable groups.
In addition to financial aid, the government has also approved measures to strengthen the employment prospects of individuals who are economically active but currently receive economic assistance. These individuals will be referred to the Agency for Professional Training, where they will receive government-funded training to improve their skills and help them secure employment.
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