The Latvian Minister of Welfare, Uzulnieks, has announced plans to expand the housing benefits program, projecting a rise in the number of recipients from approximately 33,000 to potentially 40,000 due to the broadened eligibility criteria. The average support amount will be around 50 euros per person, with the eligibility threshold increasing by 30%. This move is part of the government's response to high heating costs this winter, reflecting its commitment to providing better support to those in need.

The government is considering an additional funding requirement of around 10 million euros to cover these increased expenses, which would be sourced from emergency budget programs. This new legislation, crafted by the Welfare Ministry, is pending review by the Saeima, Latvia's parliament, and the changes are expected to be in effect from January 1 to April 30 of this year. The increase in benefits aims to assist vulnerable populations facing significant heating expenses during the colder months.

The initiative comes as part of the government's emergency measures and indicates a recognition of the growing need for more substantial financial aid amidst rising living costs. As housing support expands, social services' workforce will face heightened demand, raising concerns about their capacity to manage the increased workload effectively. The expansion of benefits could lead to both immediate relief for those struggling and longer-term implications for the sustainability of social service programs in Latvia.