Reform Extends Disability Pension to 65, Helping 1,500 More Annually

The government has announced a reform of the disability pension system, prompting mixed reactions from disability advocacy groups. The reform, presented on July 8 by Social Security Minister Ashok Subron at the National Assembly, aims to extend the basic disability pension eligibility from under 60 years to up to 65 years old.

This change aligns with the gradual increase in the retirement age and could benefit around 1,500 additional people annually between ages 60 and 65.

Currently, the pension is available only for individuals under 60 with a certified disability of at least 60%.

The reform proposes a more flexible approach, moving away from a purely medical diagnosis to a hybrid assessment that considers functional abilities such as mobility, autonomy, social interaction, and problem-solving.

This new method aims to include people with disabilities that may not be immediately visible, like neurodevelopmental conditions.

NGOs like the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, which advocates for recognition of invisible disabilities, emphasize the need for a more inclusive evaluation process.

A spokesperson noted that the ministry should consult experts from various fields to define clearer, more concrete criteria, criticizing the current 60% disability threshold as inadequate.

They warned that a rigid system might continue to exclude those with less obvious disabilities.

Some organizations see the reform as a positive step toward social inclusion. Jean-Marie Malépa from the Georges Charles Foundation highlights that extending pension access to age 65 provides financial stability and dignity for young adults with intellectual disabilities, who often face barriers in employment.

He also stressed the importance of a holistic, human-centered assessment approach that goes beyond medical diagnosis.

Malépa called for ongoing dialogue with NGOs and increased investment in programs supporting independent living and protected employment.

However, critics like DIS-MOI (Rights for Humanity in the Indian Ocean) underline that the success of the reform depends on its effective implementation.

They call for removing the term “invalid” from official language, considering it stigmatizing and outdated.

DIS-MOI emphasized that disability is a social, environmental, and legal issue, not just a medical condition, and that support should continue beyond age 65.

Minister Subron assured that details of the reform will be publicly shared in due course, emphasizing that the changes aim to make the system fairer and more suited to current needs.

The reform is also introducing a graduated financial support system, replacing the current all-or-nothing model.

Under the current system, those with a disability of 60% or more receive Rs 15,000, while others get Rs 2,500. The new system will adjust support based on the severity of difficulty.

Additional measures include developing specific evaluation methods for children with disabilities and recognizing rare diseases as functional factors.

The assessment process will also be overhauled, shifting from a panel of two general practitioners to a multidisciplinary team of specialists, psychologists, therapists, and NGO representatives.

This unified approach aims to streamline evaluations and enable individuals to access multiple forms of assistance through a single process.

Source: Defi Media