The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity announced in Angra do Heroísmo that those who wish to apply for the allowance for attendance in special education schools can get the application form and begin the necessary procedures at the Azores Social Security Institute, starting from August 14.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Regional Secretary for Education and Culture, Andreia Cardoso noted that the Government of the Azores has carried out some "adjustments" in order to "simplify the procedures concerning the preparation of the process as well as to ensure transparency and fairness in the payment of this benefit to those who need it."

The Regional Secretary stressed that the national standards regulating this subsidy "stipulate the access conditions to it and establish a coordination mechanism between Education and Social Solidarity."

For these reasons, "it was necessary to adjust this measure to the regional reality either in terms of models and procedures."

The subsidy is targeted at "children and youngsters up to 24 years of age with permanent physical, locomotory, organic, sensory or intellectual" disabilities, who require specific monitoring in the area of special education.

The legislation also requires the mandatory enrolment of beneficiaries in a school establishment, added Andreia Cardoso.

"With regard to the specific monitoring of children and youngsters who meet the aforementioned conditions, it can be carried out by specialised professionals, such as teachers, doctors, psychologists and therapists, as long as the support is provided outside school and by a private for-profit entity," stressed the government official.

In order to benefit from this subsidy, applicants are required to submit to the Social Security Institute, among other documents, a specific application form for the Azores that must be filled in by a medical specialist and by the school establishment where the beneficiary is enrolled.

The allowance is paid by the Social Security and may reach a maximum amount of 295.50 Euros.