More than 300 new beneficiaries will begin receiving disability-related assistance following the launch of a fourth tier of disability support. The measure, announced in Budget 2026, is intended to assist individuals whose level of non-functionality is not low but slightly below medium, and who were previously not covered by existing schemes.
The new benefit recognises a broader range of individuals with physical disabilities or hidden disabilities who have already appeared before the Inter-Professional Board, which assessed and determined eligibility.
The announcement was made during a press conference addressed by the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights, Michael Falzon, together with the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.
Minister Falzon stated that these beneficiaries will now join others who already receive disability-related payments and who, in recent weeks, have also benefited from increased entitlements as announced in Budget 2026.
To date, over 300 people are expected to benefit from this new measure, with a total investment of approximately €1.3 million allocated for this year.
Minister Julia Farrugia said that Budget 2026 clearly demonstrates how the government views disability, stressing that the measures go beyond technical adjustments or increases. She described the budget as the largest-ever investment in the disability sector, aimed at strengthening inclusion, dignity and social justice through concrete policies and actions.
She added that these increases will translate into greater peace of mind, stability and dignity in the daily lives of persons with disabilities and their families.
The benefit targets individuals who were awarded a disability rating of between 30% and 44.99% and who were previously receiving no assistance. Those affected have already been identified by the Inter-Professional Board and notified through personalised letters. Payments will be deposited into beneficiaries' bank accounts by Saturday, 24 January 2026, and will include arrears backdated to 3 January 2026.