Social protection

A pension is paid for Incapacity for Work (töövõimetuspension). Social Tax (sotsiaalmaks) contributions are made by employers, self-employed people and the State. Pension supplements (pensionilisad) and National Pension (rahvapension) payments and taxes also fund welfare payments.

In 2006, 5,295 disabled children were entitled to benefits and among adult population 107,431 persons were entitled to disability benefit. In 2005 the benefit for long-term care of the adult population became the responsibility of local governements .( Mari Kreitzberg. Social benefits of disabled people (in, Ülla Mäe (ed). Sotsiaalvaldkonna arengud 2000-2006. Tallinn, Ministry of Social Affairs, 2007).

The state provides long-term care benefits for children if their carer is not working. In 2006 there were 1,837 persons who were entitled for the monthly long-term care allowance for children aged 3-18.

Rehabilitation and re-training

In 2005, there wereaastal rehabilitatsiooniteenust 41 asutust 14 maakonnas. 41 rehabilitation agencies in 14 counties (all except Enim oli teenusepakkujaid Harjumaal (12, sh Tallinnas 11) ning Tartumaal (7).Hiiumaa). (Rehabilitation services for disabled people 2004-5). Ainus maakond, kus puuetega inimestele rehabilitatsiooniteenuseid pakkuvaid asutusi ei ole, on Hiiumaa.

In 2007, 42,884 people were receiving orthopaedic devices, the majority of them elderly people (Technical aids 2001-2007)

Rehabilitation services in Estonia are available to children and adults based on a personal rehabilitation plan, which may include support from therapists, psychologists, social workers, and special education.

In 2001, an allowance for rehabilitation for disabled persons aged 16-65 was established. The Social Insurance Board pays the rehabilitative care service provider after expenditure has been incurred. In 2006, 2,274 disabled persons received this allowance.

In 2001 a re-training allowance was also established. In 2006, 51 persons got the allowance, which is paid after the expenditure has been incurred and the person is working. Compensation is EEK 9600 over 3 years.

Preferential employment and quotas

There is no employment quota system in Estonia

Long-term support and care

In 2007 there were 27 mental health agencies providing care to 4,398 service users (Service agencies in counties, and Service users by sex and age, 1998-2007).

In 2007, 6.428 people were receiving home care services, of which 4,863 were women, and 5,274 were over the age of 65 (Service users by sex and age 1998-2007

The number of people who have been appointed with a guardian has declined slightly, from 22,831 in 2005 to 22,289 in 2007 (of which the large majority are aged over 65, and women) (Care taking on the basis of sex and age 2005-2007).

Long term care is provided through institutional care, home care, day care facilities and benefits for long-term care for the carer. In 2006 there were 4,737 older and disabled persons in long-term care institutions. 40% of them were older than 80 years. 22,600 persons used home care services  in 2006. Among the recipients of  home care services 73% were over 65. Of those registered as disabled with Social Insurance Board, around 20% received home care services.

In 2006, day care services were provided for 66,000 persons; of these 20,000 used the facilities at least once a week. 75% of service recipients were 65 years and older.

Personal assistance is a new service established since 2005. In 2006 only 35 local governments, of more than 200, provided these services.

Special care services are available to adults who have developed a greater need for personal assistance, instruction and /or supervision due to severe or permanent mental disorder. Regulation No 5 of the Minister of Social Affairs (January 9, 2008) specifies eligibility criteria.