Slovakia President signs social services reform law

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has signed a new law aimed at reforming the financing of social services. The legislation, introduced by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, is designed to support dependent individuals and their caregivers.

Set to be fully implemented by January 1, 2027, the reform will increase total funding for social care to over 1.7 billion euros, an increase of 400 million euros compared to current levels. A key feature of the law is that dependency assistance will be paid directly to the dependent person, allowing them to decide how to use the funds, such as for home care, outpatient services, or transport assistance.

The reform emphasizes care within a home environment. The informal portion of the assistance will reach the level of the net minimum wage starting next year.