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

Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said the new measure, expected to be introduced in the coming months, would increase the disability pension to ensure that those who are willing but unable to work would still be ensured 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,” Dr Farrugia said.

“We also understand that many people are not able to work, and among those are people with a disability.”

We are trying to incentivise people to work; we believe that work allows people to escape the risk of poverty and social exclusion

Low disability pensions, which in 2012 stood at 55 per cent of the minimum wage, have often been cited as the key factors limiting the opportunities of disabled people.

The latest proposal follows a measure in the last Budget which ensured that people would receive their full disability pension regardless of their level of income. Previously, the disability pension was reduced once a person began earning above the minimum wage.

Dr Farrugia was speaking yesterday 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.

“We have to be vigilant while taking necessary measures to ensure that each person gets only the benefits they are entitled to,” he said.

Dr Farrugia 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.