In Latvia, adults with the same care needs can receive benefits of different amounts. Currently, those whose disability occurred after reaching adulthood receive 213.43 euros per month, while people with disabilities from childhood receive 413.43 euros. It is this difference that Ombudsman Karina Palkova has called to eliminate, pointing out that such an approach may contradict the principle of non-discrimination and Article 109 of the Satversme. In response, the Ministry of Welfare conceptually agreed that people in the same situation should receive the same state support. However, implementing such a solution will require additional expenses. According to the ministry's calculations, if a unified benefit of 413.43 euros for all recipients is established starting January 1, 2027, the state will need at least an additional 36 million euros annually. The increase would affect more than 15,000 people who currently receive about 200 euros less. At the same time, the ministry points out that such a decision would only eliminate the existing difference but would not create a new system as proposed by the Ombudsman. In her opinion, the amount of the benefit should depend primarily on the degree of a person's care needs, rather than the cause or timing of the onset of disability. This means that in the future, people with the most severe disabilities could receive higher support regardless of the age at which their disability was established. The ministry also reminds that the care benefit is just one form of state assistance. In addition to cash payments, people with disabilities have access to assistant services, tax benefits, exemption from patient co-payments, compensation for certain expenses, and social assistance from municipalities. At the same time, the ministry emphasizes that the rights enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are being implemented gradually and depend on the financial capabilities of the state. Therefore, any changes requiring additional funds should be considered when preparing the state budget. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Welfare is developing a more comprehensive reform of disability assessment and care needs. A pilot project is initially planned, after which the government will decide on a possible transition to a new system. If the reform is approved, the permanent procedure could come into effect on January 1, 2030. For now, the issue of equalizing benefits remains open. The draft response from the government to the Ombudsman still needs to be reviewed by the Cabinet of Ministers, and the possibility of allocating the necessary funds will depend on the preparation of the next state budgets.