Latvia proposes higher housing benefit coefficients for 2026/2027

Latvia’s Ministry of Welfare has proposed increasing the coefficients used to calculate housing benefits to support low-income residents against rising heating costs. The proposed changes, which involve amendments to the Law on Social Services and Social Assistance, are intended to take effect from November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

The initiative follows forecasts from the Ministry of Climate and Energy suggesting significant increases in heating expenses for certain populated areas and demographic groups during the 2026/2027 heating season. The Ministry aims to prevent vulnerable groups, such as seniors, persons with disabilities, and families with children, from having to choose between paying utility bills and meeting basic daily needs.

Under the proposal, coefficients would rise for several categories: - Single pensioners or persons with disabilities: from 2.1 to 2.5. - Households consisting only of pensioners or persons with disabilities: from 1.7 to 2.0. - Households with children or youth up to 24 years old in education: from 1.7 to 2.0. - Other households: from 1.3 to 1.7.

These adjustments are expected to increase the benefit amount for current recipients and expand the eligibility pool to include households that previously did not qualify.