Persons with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and advanced multiple sclerosis are being encouraged to register with the National Disabilities Unit (NDU).
This request, which comes from the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs (MPEA), is in response to Government’s stated policy to expand national insurance benefits to four additional categories of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In the 2024 Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley indicated that the categories of persons with disabilities benefitting from National Insurance grants would be broadened.
Ms. Mottley had said on March 18: “I propose that with effect from October 1, 2024, to broaden these categories of persons living with disabilities to include the following conditions: cerebral palsy, advanced multiple sclerosis, and autism, as well as the inclusion of minors with these conditions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the special needs grant for minors with these conditions will be 50 per cent of the value of the non-contributory old-age pension, whilst it would be 100 per cent for adults.”
Subsequent to the Prime Minister’s statement, members of the Down Syndrome Association made a plea for persons with this condition to also be included. There was agreement to this request.
PWDs or their caregivers may collect the forms for registering at the NDU’s headquarters at Maxwelton, Lower Collymore Rock, St. Michael. Those persons may also call 535-3613 or 266-5013, for further information.
In addition, a WhatsApp message may be sent to 266-5013 or an email to disabilities.unit@barbados.gov.bb, requesting the link to complete the registration form online.
Registration will assist the MPEA to determine eligibility to benefit from the expansion of national insurance grants for these categories of persons with disabilities. All PWDs must register before Friday, August 9, to facilitate the commencement of benefits from October 2024.