Social benefit harmonization in merged municipalities may take up to year
The harmonization of social benefit limits may take up to a year in local governments merged in Estonia's administrative reform. In many places, it is also yet unclear how great an additional burden this will place on the budget.
According to Lääne-Nigula municipal council chairman Neeme Suur, the final harmonization of various benefits may take up to a year to complete, and more precise analysis regarding these benefits yet lay ahead, reported ERR's television news.
Until then, prior benefit rates will continue to apply based on former municipal boundaries.
The first thing which needs to be done, within a period of a couple of months, according to Suur, is the harmonization of the conditions for calculating subsistence benefits, which may have previously differed by municipality.
"For example, how housing expense limits are determined," said the council chairman. "These may be vary by local government, and these should be harmonized within the first couple of months so that these housing expense limits can be determined on a common basis in January or February already."
Editor: Aili Vahtla
