State must process inclusive allowance claims of deceased applicants, court rules

The Administrative Court in Zagreb has issued a non-final ruling concerning people who applied for the inclusive allowance but died before the social welfare system reached a decision on their claims.

According to the ruling, authorities must continue processing applications for an estimated 15,000 deceased applicants. If it is determined that an applicant was entitled to the benefit, the state will be required to pay the allowance retroactively to their heirs, from the date the application was submitted until the applicant’s death.

Finance Minister Tomislav Ćorić said the ruling would not pose a problem for public finances.

“There will always be room in the budget to comply with court rulings, meaning all financial obligations will be met. Around 200,000 people currently receive the inclusive allowance, and this will not pose a problem. Public finances have been managed responsibly in recent years and will continue to be handled in the same way. Any potential new beneficiaries will be considered in line with budget conditions and economic projections,” Ćorić said.

The opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) welcomed the ruling but criticized the government’s handling of the social welfare system, arguing it highlights a failure to protect society’s most vulnerable.

“What is happening in the social welfare system reflects inaction, negligence and a lack of sensitivity toward the problems of the most vulnerable members of society. While this ruling represents an important victory for users of the social welfare system and provides additional protection, it should not have been necessary if those in power had fulfilled their responsibility to create laws that truly protect the most vulnerable,” said SDP MP Martina Vlašić Iljkić.