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Income suport
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As the topic varies greatly across Europe, you will find the information divided by country. You will find the information for your own country translated into your national language. By clicking on the country flag and selecting other country flags, you can also access the information for other European countries in English.
Why is it important to provide income support for people with disabilities and carers?
Persons with a disability rate of more than 74% are entitled to civil disability allowance. If the disability is assessed at 100%, and the individual requires continuous assistance with daily activities, they are entitled to an accompaniment allowance. Additional forms of economic support are the inclusion allowance, which enables individuals to undertake training and work, and the Care Allowance, a financial measure to encourage individuals with disabilities to remain at home.
The recent Decree-Law no. 48 of 2023 builds on the 2023 Budget Law, which introduced a comprehensive reform of poverty support and active inclusion measures, including provisions for people with disabilities. This reform includes the abolition of the Citizenship Income programme from 1 January 2024, as well as a revision of its rules for the year 2023.
The aforementioned Decree Law thus regulates certain measures aimed at the social and labour inclusion of households in difficult conditions: the Inclusion Allowance, as of 1 January 2024, and the Training and Work Support Allowance, as of 1 September 2023.
Moreover, recognising the critical role of caregivers in Italy, additional income support measures are available for those who provide care to individuals with disabilities. These measures may include the Caregiver Allowance (Indennità di Assistenza Familiare), financial assistance for individuals who provide primary care to a family member with a disability. This allowance helps cover the costs associated with caregiving and offers financial relief to the caregiver.
Further income support options for people with disabilities/caregivers and how to apply for them are explained below.
What services exist in Italy to obtain income support for people with disabilities and caregivers?
This chapter describes the main tools and programmes available to achieve job integration for people with disability.
Ordinary Disability Allowance for persons with reduced working capacity (Assegno Ordinario di Invalidità - AOI)*
Provided by the Italian National Institute of Social Security (INPS), the Ordinary Disability Allowance is a financial benefit, granted on application, to people whose working capacity is reduced to less than one third due to physical or mental impairment. Click on the following links for further information on the ordinary disability allowance and on who is entitled to it: Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3.
Care allowance for people with disabilities and Caregiver Allowance (Indennità di Assistenza Familiare)
The Care Allowance is a financial measure to support families who care for a dependent person with a disability in their own home. The goal is to ensure that they stay in their own home as an elective care choice. The allowance helps cover caregiving expenses and acknowledges the financial contribution of caregivers.
Click on the following links for more information on how to apply for the Care Allowance/caregivers’ allowance: Link 1 | Link 2.
GOL (Garanzia di Occupabilità dei Lavoratori) [Guaranteed Employability of Workers]
The GOL (Guaranteed Employability for Workers) programme is a reform initiative outlined in the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It aims to support people in their job search and provides tools and measures to facilitate employment, re-employment or access to retraining opportunities.
Click on the following links for more information on the service and how to access it: Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3.
Leave allowances for employees caring for severely disabled family members or living with a disability
The service allows employees to apply for paid leave either for themselves if they have a severe disability, or to care for a family member with a severe disability.
Click on the following links for more information: Link 1 | Link2
Good pratices
Patronage (public service organization that helps citizens with issues related to social security, welfare, and labor rights) and Caf (Tax Assistance Center)
Contact your patronato or Caf to receive information and access services on this link.
Resources
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Can I receive income support as a caregiver / care recipient in the Netherlands?
Care responsibilities and care needs can get in the way of a fulltime job, leading to less or no income. During difficult times, financial problems can lead to more anxiety and stress. You are entitled to support measures when a disability affects your ability to work. Although far from ideal, these measures can help to keep your head above the water.
If you have an occupational disability, you may qualify for income support. The amount and type of assistance varies.
Informal caregivers do not receive income support, but can apply for other financial benefits, such as care leave and tax relief.
The following module contains an overview of financial support measures you can apply for if your income is reduced due to care needs or responsibilities.
What income support measures are available in the Netherlands?
There are several financial support measures for individuals residing in the Netherlands whose disability prevents them to work fulltime. Finding the right service can be challenging. The following list can help you.
The Wajong benefit
The Wajong benefit is for individuals who became occupationally disabled before their 18th birthday or during their studies before their 30th birthday. With the Wajong, individuals receive up to 75% of the minimum wage.
Find out more about the Wajong benefit here.
Sickness benefit
If you become occupationally disabled while you are not employed or receiving a salary, you may be entitled to sickness benefits.
Find out more about the sickness benefit here.
The WIA benefit
If you became occupationally disabled while employed, your employer is required to pay at least 70% of your salary for the first two years. After two years you may receive a WIA benefit. The WIA benefit is for individuals who become work disabled while employed and as a result can only earn up to 65% of their previous salary.
The WIA can be divided into the WGA and the IVA. The IVA is for individuals who are, and will remain, occupationally disabled and can only make up to 20% of their previous salaries. The WGA is for individuals who are (temporarily) occupationally disabled and can earn up to 65% of their salaries.
Individuals receiving a WIA benefit can only receive a maximum of 75% of their previous salary. Those with a work capacity reduction of 35% or less are not eligible for additional income support unless the total household income is less than the social minimum (see below).
Learn more about the WIA here:
Social assistance benefit
If your (family’s) total income is below the social minimum, you are entitled to receive an extra benefit, whether you already receive another type of benefit or not. The social minimum is the minimum amount of money that you need for your livelihood. This amount is set twice a year and depends on your age and marital status.
Find out more about the social minimum and social assistance in the links below:
Eligibility criteria
Current social minimum
How to apply: Link.
Financial compensation for informal caregivers
Informal caregiving is a tough and unpaid position, but there are some ways to receive financial support. For example, health insurance may offer subsidies for respite care and caregiving courses. Travel costs can be reimbursed through tax returns or by one’s municipality.
In addition, informal caregivers have the right to take leave from work. Each year they are entitled to twice the amount of hours they work per week at 70% of their salary (see also legal frameworks).
Informal caregivers can also be granted an allowance through the Personal Budget (PGB), a form of financial assistance with which individuals with care needs can arrange their own care and support from providers of their choice. The Personal Budget can be used to pay for the care that you provide.
Find out more about informal care compensations in the links below:
List of compensations
Compensation through health insurance
Care leave
Pgb allowance
HandicapNL is an organisation that uses donations to support projects and initiatives for individuals with disabilities that are essential for their quality of life. These projects and initiatives are not financed or arranged by the government or covered by healthcare insurance. Examples of projects are: home rehabilitation support, buddy programmes for children and teenagers with disabilities, and efforts to make festivals more inclusive.
Good practices
Resources
The website of the CAK (central administration office) offers information on what to do when you are having trouble paying the bills.
Regelhulp is a government website that serves as a guide to navigating assistance and support measures. It offers information and helpful links on various topics including education, housing, transport, work, and more.
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What can I do if I am not able to work anymore or have to reduce my working hours?
If you work and provide care, you might have the feeling that 24 hours a day are not enough for all the things you want and have to do. In most cases reducing work time is the only option to carry on offering home care. However, this means loss of income, income you cannot easily replace because, unfortunately, there is no full income replacement for carers in Germany.
Nonetheless, there are regulations that allow employees to temporarily reduce their working hours and retain social insurance through their employers. Employees are also entitled to an interest-free loan to cover living expenses during the care period. This includes a hardship clause: on request, loan repayment can be postponed avoiding financial burden. Partial loan cancellation or full cancellation of the loan may also be granted.
The loan is supposed to help cover your loss of income, but it is no income replacement for your “new job as a carer”. At least people in need of care can decide to give the Pflegegeld (Care Allowance) to their carers as a small financial compensation.
If you are no longer able to work because you need care yourself, you do not necessarily have to rely solely on basic social security support when your income ends. You may be eligible for a disability pension if you had been working and contributed to the pension system for at least 5 years.
Scroll down for more information on these regulations.
What income support options are available in Germany and how can you receive such support?
Pflegegeld (Care allowance)
From Pflegegrad (Care Degree) 2 upwards, people in need of care may be entitled to Pflegesachleistungen (Care Benefits in Kind) by the ambulatory service who takes care of them. Alternatively, they can be granted a Pflegegeld (Care Allowance), which they should use to provide their care appropriately by involving family members or close relatives. The Care Allowance is paid to those in need of care. They are expected to give this money to their carers. The Care Allowance aims to maintain the carer’s willingness to provide care. It is therefore not a wage replacement benefit but can be seen as a benefit for the carer. The amount of the Care Allowance ranges from approximately €330 up to €950 depending on the care level. For current amounts, click on the link below.
In addition, carers who care for at least 10 hours per week are covered by social security. Pension insurance contributions and unemployment insurance contributions are paid for them. They are also covered by statutory accident insurance. Yet, pension contributions are only paid if the carer is employed for less than 30 hours per week. No pension contributions are paid for full pensioners.
Please bear in mind that recipients of Care Allowance are required to attend counselling sessions at regular intervals. Counselling is offered by the ambulatory care services and must be organised by the recipients. These compulsory counselling sessions are intended to ensure the quality of care. Their costs are covered by the care insurance.
Applications to set a care level can be submitted informally or using the relevant forms at the health insurance provider of the person concerned. (The care insurance funds are affiliated with the health insurance.)
- The website of the Federal Ministry of Health shows the current level of benefit entitlements from the Long-Term Care Insurance.
- The website of the Sozialverband Deutschland/ VdK German Social Association contains independent information about care insurance.
- There is also a free self-assessment form with a care level calculator.
Pflegezeit (Care time)
Employees can take up to six months’ full or partial leave from work to care for a close relative at home (“Pflegezeit”). The person in need of care must hold a care level – even the lowest, i.e., 1, is sufficient. During this time, they can apply for an interest-free loan from the “Bundesamt für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben” (Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions).
The loan is paid out in monthly instalments and is intended to help cushion the loss of earnings. The interest-free loan must also be repaid in instalments at the end of the leave of absence.
Information is available online through the government initiative Wege zur Pflege (Ways to care). This government initiative helps you to determine the maximum loan amount you can be granted.
You can find all the necessary forms and more information here.
Familienpflegezeit (Family care time)
If six months is not enough, employees can be granted partial leave of absence from work for up to 24 months. Again, employees have to care for a close relative at home who holds a care level. However, in this case, you have to work for at least 15 hours per week. The minimum working time is intended to prevent employees from giving up work entirely. Employees may be eligible for an interest-free loan as well to offset the loss of salary during family care leave.
Information is available online through the government initiative Wege zur Pflege (Ways to Care). This government initiative helps you to determine your maximum loan amount you can be granted.
You can find all the necessary forms and more information leaflets here.
Temporary inability to work
In the event of an acute care situation, employed relatives may take up to ten working days per year off to organise needs-based care or to ensure nursing care during that time.
Employees are required to notify their employers immediately of their inability to work and the expected duration of their absence. There is no specific form of notification. A care level does not necessarily have to be determined, but there must be a need for care that corresponds to at least care level 1.
In that case, income replacement, the Pflegeunterstützungsgeld (Carer’s grant) can be applied for, covering ten days per year per person in need of care! Please bear in mind that the grant does not replace your total income: the amount of your income support is calculated on the basis of the criteria used to calculate child sickness benefit.
You can apply for this at the care insurance of the relative you are caring for.
Questions and answers about the Pflegeunterstützungsgeld can be found here
Pflegetelefon (care hotline)
If you have any questions about care or don’t know what to do next, you can contact the Pflegetelefon (care hotline) of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs. The service is free of charge and offers:
- anonymous and confidential support
- assistance viaaemail or in German sign language through SQAT
- specific assistance for individual circumstances
- referrals to local services.
You can contact the nationwide hotline on 030 20 17 91 31, from Monday to Thursday between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm, and by e-mail at info@wege-zur-pflege.de
Accompaniment in the last phase of life
You can take up to three months off – either full-time or part-time – to support a close relative in need of care during the final phase of their life.
The person does not have to be cared for at home. Your close relative can also be in a hospice. A care level is not required either.
To offset the loss of your income, you can take out the interest-free loan for this period of time. The loan is granted by the Bundesamt für Familie und zivilgesellschaftliche Aufgaben (Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions).
Good pratices
General information by the federal ministry of health.
General information by the federal ministry of health.
General information by the German pension insurance.
Resources
Connected topics
What national income support options are available and how to apply?
People with disabilities often face challenges when seeking income support. These challenges include uncertainty about employment opportunities, financial insecurity due to extra disability-related costs, and difficulties navigating complex bureaucratic processes to access benefits.
To address these barriers, this section outlines mechanisms to support both your income and that of the care recipient. The links detail eligibility criteria for each service, application procedures, and the specific amount that you or young adults with care needs and disabilities may receive
In the following overview, you will discover financial benefits, subsidies, and allowances available in Portugal for you, as an informal caregiver, and for young adults with care needs and disabilities.
What national income support options are available and how to apply?
In the following section, you will find information on allowances and subsidies available in Portugal that you may qualify for. Additionally, care recipients may be eligible for further support based on their care needs or disability.
Prestação Social para a Inclusão (PSI) - Social Inclusion Allowance (PSI)
A monthly cash benefit is provided to individuals with a disability level of 60% or more. This benefit consists of three components:
- Base Component. It aims to offset additional general expenses resulting from the disability. It is granted to new applicants and replaces the lifelong monthly subsidy, social disability pension, and transitional disability pension for agricultural workers.
- Supplement. An amount to be added to the base component intended to combat poverty among disabled individuals living alone, in low-income families, or experiencing financial hardship.
- Increase. This component replaces previous benefits that compensated specific additional expenses due to disability. It is still awaiting regulation.
Click on this link to learn more about the social benefit for inclusion.
For the care recipient benefit under this pension, you must go to a Social Security office or access Serviço Segurança Social Direta (SSD).
Subsídio de apoio ao cuidador informal principal (SACI) - Support allowance for the main informal carer (SACI)
Main informal carers may be entitled to this allowance if their status as Informal Carers has been recognised and meet other eligibility requirements. When determining the support allowance, it is important to consider the disparity between the combined income of the main informal carer and the reference amount of the allowance. The reference amount of the allowance is €509.26 (the value of the Social Support Index – IAS).
For instructions on how to apply for the Main Informal Caregiver Support Subsidy, click on this link.
Click on the following links for information on how to apply for the informal caregiver status: Link 1 | Link 2 | Link 3.
Bonificação do abono de família para crianças e jovens com deficiência - Family allowance subsidy for children and young people with disabilities
This is an additional amount to the family allowance for children and young people with disabilities, aimed at offsetting disability-related expenses. Only children and young people eligible for family allowance can receive this bonus. Young people with disabilities can receive the family allowance, along with the corresponding bonus, up to the age of 24. From 18 to 24 years of age: €132.01 (€198.02 for the 1st tier or €188.11 for other tiers, if living with only one adult).
Click on this link for instructions on how to apply for the Family allowance subsidy for children and young people with disabilities.
Subsídio por assistência de 3ª pessoa - Allowance for assistance from a third person
This is a monthly cash benefit intended to assist families with dependents receiving family allowance with a disability bonus, who are in a state of dependency and require constant care from a third person. The amount of the Social Pension is €122.90.
Click on this link to find out how to apply for this subsidy.
Benefícios fiscais - Tax benefits
Taxation at a lower base – IRS
Workers and pensioners with a 60%, or higher, disability level benefit from more favourable IRS taxation. How? A portion of their income is excluded from taxation, meaning they pay less IRS.
For IRS purposes, the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) considers: 85% of income for dependent and independent employment income; 90% for pension income.
Additional tax deductions
In addition to standard deductions, individuals with disabilities are also entitled to special deductions as outlined in Article 87 of the IRS Code.
Lower withholding tax
People with disabilities also benefit from reduced withholding tax, resulting in higher disposable monthly income, as they deduct less from their salary or pension.
Published annually in the Official Gazette, the IRS tables for people with disabilities determine their monthly tax contributions.
Vehicle Tax (ISV) exemption
The following individuals may qualify for exemption from Vehicle Tax (ISV):
- Individuals aged 18 or older with motor disabilities rated at 60% or higher;
- Individuals relying solely on wheelchairs, with disabilities rated at 60% or higher;
- Individuals with profound multiple disabilities rated at 90% or higher;
- Individuals with visual disabilities rated at 95%;
- Military personnel with disabilities rated at 60% or higher.
ISV exemption applies only to light vehicles with CO2 emissions up to 160 g/km (NEDC test) or up to 184 g/km (WLTP test). The exemption cannot exceed 7,800 euros; if the ISV exceeds this amount, the beneficiary must cover the difference.
Click on this link to learn more about deductions and exemptions
Employment quota system for people with disabilities with a disability level equal to or greater than 60%.
Café Joyeux: the first solidarity and inclusive café-restaurant in Lisbon celebrates its first year with many new features.
Good practices
- Training and development
- Social protection and benefits
- The rights of caregivers who are employed
- Social and health support services and measures
- Helplines and other supports
- Frequently asked questions
- Legislation
Resources
Connected topics
What is the significance of income support for people with care needs and disabilities in Lithuania?
Income support for people with disabilities is crucial as it relates to financial security. Income support can ensure that individuals with disabilities have a source of income to meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Financial support enables individuals with disabilities to access resources and services that enhance their quality of life, such as transportation assistance, recreational activities, sports, etc. This can contribute to improved overall well-being and social inclusion. Access to financial resources allows people with disabilities to participate in social activities, access cultural events, engage in community life, and enjoy life.
This section gives information about income support for people with disability. You will also learn where to apply and what to do if you wish to receive income support.
What national income support options are available and how to apply?
People with disabilities in Lithuania, or those who provide informal care for them, may apply for income support. The primary source of income support for people with disabilities are pensions. There are two categories of pensions:
- Supplementary disability pension;
- Disability pension under social insurance, based on years of service qualifying for pension under social insurance and contributions to “Sodra.”
Šalpos neįgalumo pensija (Disability pension benefits)
A disability pension benefit is a monthly benefit to provide a minimum income for people who have not completed the qualifying period for a social security pension and are not receiving a higher or equal pension or retirement benefits. A disability pension benefit is granted to the following groups of people:
- Children with severe, moderate or mild disabilities;
- People who have lost 45% or more of their working capacity before the age of 24;
- Parents (adoptive parents), guardians or carers who have lost 60% or more of their working capacity and have been caring at home for people with disabilities for at least 15 years and have been identified as having a need for reimbursement of the cost of providing individual assistance (until 31 December 2023 – a specific need for permanent nursing care or for permanent care/assistance);
- Mothers who have given birth to and raised 5 or more children and who have lost more than 60 % of their working capacity;
- People who have lost 60% or more of their working capacity and are not covered by pension social insurance.
Socialinio draudimo negalios pensija (Disability pension under social insurance)
This pension is granted and paid monthly if:
- The Agency for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (until 31 December 2023, the Office for the determination of incapacity for work and disability) has assessed that individual’s participation level (until 31 December 2023, the work capacity) at 55% or less;
- The individual meets the minimum required length of service to qualify for a disability pension.
The minimum required pensionable service depends on the age of the individual; older people must have a longer employment history to qualify.
Click on this link to learn more about a social insurance disability pension.
What national income support options are available and how to apply?
This STEP-BY-STEP guide provides information about what you should do if you want to receive income support in Lithuania.
Open the “Sodra” website – www.sodra.lt
After opening the main “Sodra” page, choose “Noriu gauti šalpos išmoką”, and then select “Šalpos negalios pensija”. You will be directed to a page with information on disability benefits, where you can also find information on how to fill out the request form.
After opening the main “Sodra” page, choose “Noriu gauti pensiją”, and then select “Negalios pensija”. You will be directed to a page with information on disability benefits, where you can also find information how to fill the request form
The website of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania’s website
The website of the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania provides clear and concise information on the financial support available to persons with disabilities..
Good practices
Information about benefits for people with a disability
This website offers information about benefits which are granted to people with disabilities. This website has also sections with information on what to do to receive benefits.