In response to the soaring heating costs that many households are facing, the Latvian government has announced an increase in housing benefits intended to alleviate financial pressures on residents. The changes will be reflected in the formula used to calculate these benefits and will come into effect from January 1 through April 30. Specific coefficients will be adjusted according to the household composition, aiming to provide more assistance to vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals and people with disabilities.

The new calculations will modify the coefficients used to determine the amount of housing benefits for different categories of households. For instance, the coefficient for single elderly individuals and those with disabilities will increase from 2.1 to 2.5. Households consisting solely of elderly members or individuals with disabilities will see their coefficient rise from 1.7 to 2. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the most affected groups receive adequate support to cope with the increased living costs exacerbated by the heating bill surge.

These initiatives by the government reflect a commitment to enhancing social welfare in the face of significant economic challenges. By increasing the housing benefits and expanding the pool of eligible recipients, the state aims to provide a safety net for its citizens during a period of heightened financial strain. This step signifies an important policy response that could help mitigate the adverse impacts of rising energy costs on the most vulnerable households in Latvia.