Slovak Mother Waits Nine Months for Disability Care Allowance, Ministry Advises Court Action

Romana Gavendová, a mother of two, has been without income for nearly nine months while waiting for a caregiver allowance from Slovakia's labor office to care for her six-year-old son Matúš, who has autism, chronic movement and tic disorders, incontinence, and other severe disabilities. Unable to work due to her son's need for intensive round-the-clock care, her family survives solely on her husband's income while she navigates the bureaucratic process with the Office of Labor, Social Affairs and Family. The Ministry of Labor has reportedly advised her to take legal action against the state, highlighting significant problems in Slovakia's recent disability assessment reform. The case exposes gaps in the reformed system that was designed to streamline support for families caring for disabled children, but appears to be creating lengthy delays that leave vulnerable families without necessary financial assistance during critical periods.