Reform of the Disability Pension System: Towards a New Two-Phase Model

The Council of Ministers noted on Friday the progress of the proposed revision of the disability pension system. Key reforms being considered include:

(a) the introduction of a hybrid evaluation model, replacing the exclusively medical criteria-based model;

(b) the establishment of a graduated support model, replacing the all-or-nothing model;

(c) the creation of multidisciplinary assessment committees to replace the current medical boards.

The comprehensive reform of the disability pension system will take place in two phases:

Phase 1: Updating the medical guidelines for disability assessment (2016) and introducing the graduated support model, which will allow those deemed ineligible for the Basic Disability Pension to benefit from an Inclusive Living Allowance. This allowance will replace the previous Disability Allowance and its amount will be increased.

Phase 2: Implementation of the hybrid evaluation model, combining medical and functional criteria, as well as replacing the current medical boards with multidisciplinary assessment committees.