The Algerian government has announced an increase in the disability pension for individuals with disabilities in the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou. Over 15,000 people will benefit from this decision, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, with retroactive benefits dating back to October 1, 2019. This move aims to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities in the region.
According to the local director of the Direction de l'Action Sociale (DAS), M. Mehenni Achour, the decision to increase the pension was well-received by the disabled community. The current pension for individuals with 100% disability is 4,000 DA, and it will be increased to 10,000 DA. This change will benefit 8,382 people with 100% disability, as well as 6,963 individuals receiving the Allocation forfaitaire de solidarité (AFS).
In addition to these groups, 775 minors under 18 years old with disabilities will receive an allocation of 3,000 DA per month, paid to their parents who have no income. Furthermore, 610 deaf-mute individuals and 1,174 blind people with a disability rate of 95 or 100% will also benefit from this increase. The DAS has clarified that the increase will be implemented in accordance with the 2020 budget (LF2020).
The DAS has also emphasized that the increase in pension is not sufficient to fully address the needs of people with disabilities but will significantly improve their situation. In addition to the pension, people with disabilities in Tizi Ouzou receive assistance with medical equipment and other forms of support from a special account managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
According to M. Mehenni Achour, the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou has a total of 28,014 people with disabilities, representing 2.35% of the population. The increase in disability pension is part of a broader effort to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities in Algeria. The government has decided to generalize the allocation to all individuals with 100% disability, regardless of the nature of their disability, age, or source of financing.
This new measure, which came into effect on October 1, 2019, will benefit a total of 334,007 people with disabilities nationwide, including 23,813 children. It is worth noting that people with disabilities had not received a pension increase since 2009. The government aims to provide better support to this vulnerable group.
The DAS has assured that it will provide further instructions and circulars to implement the new measures. While there are differences in the regulations governing the two categories of beneficiaries, the DAS is working to ensure a smooth transition and fair distribution of benefits to all eligible individuals.
Key points
- Over 15,000 people in Tizi Ouzou will benefit from the increased disability pension of 10,000 DA.
- The increase in pension will be implemented retroactively from October 1, 2019.
- A total of 334,007 people with disabilities nationwide will benefit from the new measure.
