More low-income residents, fewer residents on limited incomes in Liepāja this year

In the first quarter of this year, the number of Liepāja residents holding low-income-person status increased by more than 400, while the number of residents on limited incomes decreased. Overall, the number of recipients of social assistance has not changed significantly compared with last year.

In the first three months of 2021, the number of residents holding low-income-person or household status increased by 421 people, while the number of residents on limited incomes decreased by 487 people.

In the first three months of 2021, 1,261 residents held low-income status (832 in 2020). During the first quarter, 3,510 Liepāja residents held limited-income status (3,997 in 2020).

The increase in the number of low-income residents is mainly associated with the higher income thresholds introduced this year for obtaining low-income and limited-income status. As a result, both the number of recipients of social assistance who have newly applied for support from the Social Service and the number of people whose low incomes now qualify them for low-income household status rather than limited-income household status have increased.

As is well known, in addition to social benefits, residents holding low-income status are entitled to more concessions established by the municipality and the state—including free medical appointments, larger property-tax discounts, and, for children from low-income families, free public transport and meal discounts, among others.

See: https://www.liepaja.lv/trucigas-gimenes-personas-statuss/atbalsta-iespejas-trucigam-personam/   

In the first quarter of this year, the guaranteed minimum income (GMI) benefit was paid to 289 low-income persons, in the total amount of €41,027—€24,000 more than last year, when only 187 people received GMI. As of 1 January this year, the GMI threshold was raised from €64 to €109 for the first or only person in a household and to €76 for each additional household member. The GMI amount is calculated as the difference between the household’s GMI-level amount and the household’s total income, using the formula specified in Cabinet regulations.

All low-income and limited-income residents of Liepāja may receive both social assistance and concessions established by the municipality, including a housing benefit. This year, 1,279 people received a housing benefit, in the total amount of €279,881 (last year, 1,446 people received a total of €318,058). The decrease in the number of benefit applicants may be related to partially remote customer service—many seniors, who are the main recipients of this benefit, are waiting for in-person service to resume.

As of 1 July 2021, uniform criteria for granting the housing benefit are to be established throughout the country. Until then, the Social Service will grant the housing benefit in accordance with the legal framework established in the municipality’s previously applicable binding regulations on the housing benefit, valid until 31 December 2020.

In the first quarter of this year, approximately the same number of residents as last year applied for a health-care benefit—483 people, in the total amount of €34,623. Last year, it was received by 492 people.

We remind you that, for Liepāja residents whose certificates of low-income or limited-income status expired during the state of emergency, the certificates remain valid until 31 May this year, provided that there have been no significant changes in the person’s financial situation.

The Social Service is also receiving clients remotely in April. For information about social assistance and services, please consult the Social Service employees by telephone. They will provide answers and recommendations to help resolve questions and problems successfully; in exceptional cases, an in-person appointment may be arranged:

for social assistance and benefits: 63 489 652, 63 489 655,

for Karosta residents: 63 456 185,

for Velnciems residents: 63 426 044;

for social services: 63 489 668;

for social work: 63 489 682;

e-mail: sociala.palidziba@liepaja.lv (describing your needs and leaving a contact telephone number)

Documents and applications may be left at the Social Service, at 3 E. Veidenbauma Street, in the mailboxes placed by the entrance on the courtyard side.

Information prepared by:

Public relations specialist of the Social Service

Author:

liepaja.lv