This week, the government planned to consider an informational report prepared by the Ministry of Welfare on improving the disability assessment system for adults. However, the review of the document was postponed for a week because it had not been agreed upon by the Ministry of Finance and several organizations. The State Audit emphasizes that changes should be made taking into account objective financial forecasts; however, the development of the system is possible even under limited funding. According to the agency, this is evidenced by the audit results published earlier this year. "During the audit, we concluded that the medical approach still predominates in determining disability. In other words, disability is assigned formally — based on a diagnosis. However, in real life, even people with the same diagnosis, for example, after a stroke, can have completely different functional capabilities. Moreover, the status of disability itself does not solve a person's problems, as no one assesses what specific support measures and resources they need," explained Maya Abolina, a member of the State Audit Council. The agency reminds that back in 2015, a transition to a new disability assessment system was announced, which focuses on activity limitations and a person's functional capabilities in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health developed by the World Health Organization. With the support of European Union funds, a project to improve the disability determination system for children was launched in early 2017. In April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a reform that was planned to be implemented starting September 2025. However, due to a lack of budgetary funds, its implementation was postponed. According to the State Audit, a similar situation has arisen with the development of a new methodology for determining disability for adults. The World Bank was involved in its creation, and the methodology itself is based on the best international practices, considering the conditions in Latvia. Initially, its development was planned to be completed by the end of 2023. In October 2025, the Ministry of Welfare sent an informational report for inter-agency coordination, which provides for the introduction of the reform starting in 2030. The review of this document was postponed by the government the day before. The report stipulates that starting in 2030, the focus in determining disability will be on a person's functional capabilities rather than their diagnosis. Additionally, it is proposed to increase the care allowance to 450 or 540 euros per month, depending on the intensity of the required care. At the same time, the increase in allowances is the most costly part of the reform. The State Audit had previously indicated during the audit that the reform could be implemented in stages, starting at least with improving the procedure for determining disability. Therefore, the agency supports the position of the Ministry of Finance, which states that changes should be implemented gradually under conditions of limited financial resources. As a result of the audit, the State Audit concluded that in Latvia, the status of disability is often used more as a tool for income compensation than as a basis for receiving necessary services. In this regard, the Ministry of Welfare was given nine recommendations. According to the agency, their implementation will allow timely decisions to be made regarding the assignment of disability status, improve information exchange and its quality, as well as reduce administrative burdens. Moreover, the disability determination system for children and adults will become more objective, an assessment of the necessary support for a person will be conducted considering their real needs, and recommendations for further rehabilitation will be provided. The State Audit believes that the new system should assess not only the diagnosis but also the real limitations in daily life and a person's need for support. According to the auditors, this will make the determination of disability more objective, improve the quality of assistance, and increase the efficiency of public funds utilization.