Services for the Disabled

Services for the disabled
Services for the mentally handicapped
Family caregiver allowance

Services in accordance with the Services and Assistance for the Disabled Act are arranged for people who, due to a disability or disease, have special, long-term difficulties dealing with the ordinary functions of life. The purpose of the act is to enhance the disabled person´s capacity to live and function with others as an equal member of society. If necessary, a service plan is drawn up for each client.

For people with severe disabilities the municipality must arrange transportation services, interpreter services for the speech and hearing disabled, home alteration work and the essential equipment, machines and devices needed in the home, service housing and daytime activity.
In order to receive the services, it must be demonstrated that the person does not have access to sufficient and suitable services or other benefits as outlined by the legislation. The services are free of charge to the applicants with the exception of the transportation services, for which a fee equal to the public transportation fare is charged.
You have to fill out an application form to apply for services. Financial support measures must be applied for within six months of the date the costs were incurred.
Services for the disabled include services for the mentally handicapped, services in accordance with the Services and Assistance for the Disabled Act and family caregiver allowance for those under the age of 65. An application and a doctor´s statement are required when applying for family caregiver allowance. A home visit is performed in conjunction with processing of the family caregiver allowance application.

The purpose of services for the mentally handicapped is to support and guide developmentally disabled people and their relatives and to help mentally handicapped people handle their daily activities as independently as possible. The forms of service include housing services, work activity, daytime activity, occupational therapy and temporary care.