€1,000 Grant For Couples Getting Married

Oct 28 2024

In the recently announced Budget 2025, the government revealed important enhancements to the marriage grant and support measures for prospective parents.

The grant provided to couples entering marriage or a civil union will increase by nearly €170, raising the total to €500 for each spouse, or €1,000 collectively. This adjustment is anticipated to benefit around 3,000 individuals annually, assisting couples as they start their new life together.

Additionally, the government introduced measures for prospective parents undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

These parents will receive an extra 100 hours of paid leave for each IVF cycle, with the prospective mother entitled to 60 hours and her partner to 40 hours. Notably, this concession currently does not apply to self-employed individuals, but starting next year, self-employed women and their partners will be eligible for the same benefits, ensuring equitable support for families seeking fertility treatment.

Moreover, paternity leave rights will be extended to self-employed fathers. Currently, employed fathers are entitled to 10 days of paternity leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

The budget will extend this right to self-employed fathers, allowing them 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid leave at the same rate as maternity leave for self-employed women. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing family support and promoting equity.

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FOOTAGE: Parliament Suspended After Moviment Graffitti Budget Protest

Oct 28 2024

Following a protest by Moviment Graffitti during Malta’s 2025 Budget speech, the organization released a statement highlighting their grievances over what they describe as a critical situation in the country’s planning and environmental policies. Graffitti accused the government of being under the sway of powerful developer interests, claiming this influence has led to unchecked environmental degradation and compromised quality of life for Maltese residents.

In a bold statement, Moviment Graffitti declared, “Our country is facing an emergency situation. Powerful interests have seized hold of politics and other institutions…causing a great deal of suffering, and…threatening our future and that of our children.” They cited examples of developments, such as the pools in Qala and apartment complexes in Birżebbuġa, as cases where construction has persisted despite lacking proper permits.

The protest, which led to a suspension of Parliament, has resonated with many concerned citizens, underscoring the urgency felt by activists regarding changes to planning regulations and the call for reform in enforcement practices.

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2 Years Social Security Credits From People Rehabilitating From Drugs

Oct 28 2024

In the 2025 Budget, the government has introduced a new support initiative aimed at assisting individuals who are overcoming drug addiction by offering credited social security contributions.

This program seeks to provide practical help for those reintegrating into society and re-entering the workforce after completing rehabilitation.

Under this measure, individuals who successfully complete rehabilitation and secure stable employment will be eligible to receive two years’ worth of credited social security contributions. This benefit is designed to recognize the challenges that come with overcoming addiction and to support those who are making efforts to rebuild their lives.

By easing the transition back into the workforce, the government aims to encourage individuals to maintain stability in their recovery journey while also building their future economic security.

The initiative reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the need for long-term support structures that assist in preventing relapse and fostering sustained recovery. It marks a significant step toward reducing barriers for those who have worked hard to overcome addiction, giving them a stronger foundation as they re-establish themselves within the community.

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Support for People with Disabilities and Carers in Budget 2025

Oct 28 2024

During the 2025 Budget, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced substantial improvements to support individuals with disabilities and their carers.

Retirees with disabilities who previously received disability assistance but now rely on a contributory pension will receive adjustments to ensure their pensions meet at least the National Minimum Wage, with a guaranteed 10% increase from their former assistance level.

Disability and carer allowances will also rise, aligned with the National Minimum Wage increase. Individuals receiving Severe Disability Assistance will get an additional €7.42 per week, bringing it to €199.61, while standard disability assistance increases by €3.49 to reach €102.62 weekly. Carers supporting two family members with moderate to high dependency will receive 1.5 times the usual allowance rate in recognition of their additional responsibilities.

Families with children with disabilities will benefit from an extra €5 weekly for child disability allowance, now €35, and the Carers Grant, tied to half the minimum wage, will increase by €8.24 weekly, totaling €5,190 annually. The grant now also extends to parents of children under 16 with severe disabilities, securing future pension rights for these caregivers.

Additionally, tax credits for therapy for children with disabilities will rise to €750 annually, and Malta will open its first evening center for adults with severe disabilities, along with a new day center for elderly persons with disabilities.

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