New €20,000 grant proposed for first-time buyers with disabilities

People with disabilities will receive double the grant offered to first-time home buyers under a new proposal announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Thursday.

Speaking in Birgu, a Labour stronghold, Abela said the measures were designed to strengthen independence and improve quality of life for those with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.

The first proposal of the night was the introduction of a personalised budget plan for individuals aged 18 and over with disabilities. The scheme will assess each individual’s needs and aspirations before allocating tailored financial support.

“The idea for those who are 18 years old and above is for them to have their own personalised budget plan. Not just to pay for their therapies but another step further. To ensure that people with disabilities can reach their goals,” said the Prime Minister.

He explained that experts would work closely with individuals to determine their requirements, ensuring that the budget reflects both their care needs and personal ambitions.

“That’s why your dream is our project,” Abela added, echoing the Labour Party’s campaign slogan.

A second proposal focuses on home ownership. Abela said that people with disabilities would receive double the grant currently given to first-time buyers.

While first-time buyers are eligible for a €10,000 grant, those with disabilities would receive €20,000.

He described the measure as “the biggest opportunity for their independence and autonomy”, enabling more individuals to become homeowners.

During the event, Abela was joined by Amanda Brincat, the mother of 13-year-old Jayden, who has autism and is non-verbal. Reacting to the proposal, she said it reflected what many parents in similar situations had long been hoping for.

The Prime Minister also announced an extension of the free gym initiative to include strength training programmes for people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

In addition, the government will introduce free swimming lessons for children aged between three and five.

The proposals build on measures announced earlier this week. These include full coverage of therapy-related expenses for children with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions until the age of 18.

Parents who need to accompany their children to therapy or hospital appointments will also be entitled to the equivalent of five days of fully paid carers’ leave.

During Thursday’s rally, Labour candidates Remenda Grech and Lisa Cassar Shaw also addressed the audience, sharing experiences from their engagement with families of children with disabilities.

Grech, who is also the director of alternative care at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services,  recounted the story of “Maria”, a mother balancing the financial pressures of supporting one child at university and another with disabilities. She said that increased stipends, Erasmus opportunities, disability allowances and community support had helped ease the burden and provide peace of mind.

Cassar Shaw, who is the chairperson of the Older Persons Standards Authority, delivered an emotional speech, describing a mother of two children with autism who struggled to make ends meet. She said the woman was shocked to learn about free therapy services, thinking that she would not be a priority. 

“Even if you are in a minority, we are still here for you.”