A new disability benefit targeting individuals previously excluded from assistance has begun rolling out, with over 300 beneficiaries set to receive payments and arrears dating back to early January, the government has said.

In a statement, the government said that more than 300 new beneficiaries will start receiving some form of disability assistance following the launch of a fourth level of disability support.

This benefit was announced in Budget 2026 to support individuals whose level of non-functionality is not low but slightly below medium, and who until now were not covered.

The benefit recognises a wider group of people with physical or hidden disabilities who have already appeared before the Inter-Professional Board, which determined their eligibility, the statement said.

These details were announced during a press conference held by Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon, together with Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations Julia Farrugia.

Minister Falzon said that these beneficiaries now join others who already receive disability-related payments and who, in recent weeks, have also received increases in their entitlements as announced in Budget 2026.

So far, more than 300 beneficiaries will benefit from this new measure, with a total investment of around €1.3 million for this year.

Minister Farrugia said that Budget 2026 clearly shows how Malta and the government views disability.

"We are not speaking only about increases or technical measures, but about serious investment in persons with disabilities and their families, built on empathy, understanding of daily realities, and the determination not to leave anyone behind," Farrugia said.

She said that Budget 2026 is the "largest investment ever made in the field of disability," and it shows concretely that inclusion, dignity and social justice are not merely slogans, but priorities reflected in government's policies and daily actions.

Farrugia added that these increases mean greater peace of mind, stability and dignity in the daily lives of persons with disabilities and their families.

The benefit targets individuals who received a score between 30% and 44.99% and who were previously receiving no assistance.

These individuals have already appeared before the Inter-Professional Board, and those who were awarded a score within this range have been identified and notified through a personalised letter that they will start receiving the new benefit.

The payment will be deposited into their bank accounts by Saturday, 24 January, and will include arrears dating back to 3 January 2026.