Court Mandates Processing of Deceased Applicants' Allowance Claims

The Administrative Court in Zagreb has issued a landmark ruling requiring Croatian authorities to process inclusive allowance claims submitted by applicants who passed away before their cases were adjudicated. This decision ensures that the rights of approximately 15,000 deceased applicants are honored, with potential retroactive payments to their heirs.

Background

The inclusive allowance is a social welfare benefit designed to support individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Due to administrative delays, many applicants passed away before their claims were processed, leaving their families without the anticipated financial support.

Details of the Ruling

The court's decision mandates that:

• Continuation of Processing: Authorities must continue evaluating the claims of deceased applicants as if they were still alive.
• Retroactive Payments: If an applicant is found eligible, the state is obligated to pay the allowance retroactively from the date of application until the applicant's death.

Government Response

Finance Minister Tomislav Ćorić addressed concerns about the financial implications of the ruling, stating that the government is prepared to meet these obligations without compromising public finances. He emphasized that the budget has been managed responsibly and can accommodate the required payments.

Opposition and Advocacy Groups' Reactions

The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) welcomed the ruling but criticized the government's handling of the social welfare system. SDP MP Martina Vlašić Iljkić highlighted systemic issues, pointing to inaction and negligence in protecting society's most vulnerable members.

Implications

This ruling sets a precedent for the treatment of social welfare claims in Croatia, emphasizing the importance of timely processing and the state's responsibility to its citizens, even posthumously. It also underscores the need for administrative reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.

For more information, refer to the original report by HRT.