The Government has approved, in the Council of Ministers of July 15, a preliminary project that will allow people with disability and dependence compatible with a job with the benefits they receive for personal care and autonomy, as well as allow Compatible unemployment subsidy with a job.
The new standard responds to a historical demand from the associations of the sector, since so far, a few hours of work activity were enough to lose essential aid. However, its real effectiveness will depend on the financing and development of the Autonomous Communities.
A reform that recognizes essential support
The text recognizes that labor income does not eliminate the need for support such as personal assistance, Home help or economic benefits linked to family care. “Break the binary logic that forced to choose between working or living with dignity,” Daniel-Aníbal García Diego, president of the Spanish Confederation of people with physical and organic disabilities (Cocemfe) celebrated.
Experts agree that maintaining these services is key for employment to become an authentic route of inclusion. However, they warn that the reform could generate legal conflicts.
Financing is another critical points. If the number of beneficiaries increases without new public income, the system could be resent. “The BOE is not enough, stable budget is needed,” Garcia stressed.
In the hands of the Autonomous Communities
Thus, the draft leaves in the hands of the autonomous communities the regulation of specific compatibilities. However, associations point out that this could lead to territorial differences, since two people with identical dependence could receive different responses depending on their place of residence.
Now, the project begins its parliamentary process, where an intense debate is expected focused on strengthening the guarantees of equality and consolidating the funds.