The author analyzes the performance of the disability pension system in Latvia in order to assess the ability of the system to perform its main function: to prevent poverty among people with disabilities. It has been found that the system does not meet the criteria of adequacy and the causes of the problem have been addressed.
In the analysis, the author uses statistical data from Eurostat and the Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, Mutual Information System on Social Protection (MISSOC) database, as well as considers statutory regulations.
Particular attention is paid to such an element of the pension system as statutory minimum pension amount as a key tool aimed at ensuring the adequacy of the social protection of people with disabilities. Additionally, the author provides a comparative analysis of minimum disability pension provisions in the EU member states.
Since the systems of old-age pensions and disability pensions in Latvia are closely connected, the author emphases the importance of the improvement of the adequacy of disability pensions in achieving more adequate old-age pensions.