Sweden launches inquiry into personal assistance rules

The Swedish government has commissioned an inquiry to review the regulations governing personal assistance for people with disabilities, the public broadcaster SVT reported on Friday.

Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall (Moderate Party) said the review is “an important step toward strengthening security for people with extensive disabilities and ensuring that support is available where it is needed.”

The existing rules determining which individuals with disabilities are eligible for personal assistance have been criticized as overly complex, and assessments can vary depending on the municipality where the applicant lives, according to the government.

The government has previously announced that the state will eventually take full responsibility for personal assistance, a role currently shared between municipalities and the state. The government said clearer and more legally predictable rules should be in place before that transfer occurs.

Tags: Sweden, personal assistance, disability policy