People who are unable to work due to disability will be guaranteed benefits equivalent to the minimum wage under a new government proposal announced today.

Social solidarity minister Michael Farrugia said the proposed increase in the disability pension would cater for those who were willing but unable to work, guaranteeing them an adequate level of income.

“We are trying to incentivise people to work; we believe that work allows people to escape the risk of poverty and social exclusion,” he said. “But we also understand that many people are not able to work, and foremost are people with a disability.”

The latest proposal, which is expected to be made law in the coming months, follows a measure in the last Budget ensuring that disabled people enjoy their full disability pension regardless of their level of income.

Previously, the disability pension was reduced once a person was earning above the minimum wage.

Dr Farrugia was speaking earlier today at a press conference marking the 60th anniversary of the social security system in Malta. The minister stressed the significance of social services and the need to plan not just for today’s needs but to ensure a sustainable system in the years to come.

He also thanked his predecessors and all the officials who had worked in the sector over the last 60 years.

A free concert, open to the public, will be held tomorrow at 7pm at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta to celebrate the anniversary.

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