Lithuania removes requirement for disability benefit holders to reapply at retirement age

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Protection Agency has announced that individuals previously assigned a working capacity level until retirement age will no longer need to submit additional requests to change their status to an indefinite participation level.

This means their disability status and benefits will now remain valid indefinitely, without the need for reapplication.

A law that took effect at the start of 2024 allows adults, including pensioners, to have their disability status determined indefinitely, particularly in cases where there is no expectation of change in their condition. Previously, indefinite disability status was only possible in exceptional cases, such as occupational diseases or work-related accidents.

Under the old system, those with a working capacity level determined before the new law could only retain their benefits until retirement age. The new regulations ensure that individuals whose working capacity was assessed before December 31, 2023, and whose status was valid until retirement age, will now maintain their benefits indefinitely without further action.

The change eliminates bureaucratic hurdles for both individuals and the agency, as previously, failure to submit a timely request could result in a temporary loss of benefits.

The Seimas amended the Law on Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities to implement this adjustment.

Reporting by LRT.lt