New bill hands parents, caregivers of children with disabilities tax relief

Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities are set to receive significant tax relief if the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Bill No.7 of 2023, is passed by the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, seeks to ease the financial burden on families having children with disabilities.

The Bill has provisions for tax relief aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.

This tax relief is designed to support families who often face significant expenses related to the care, therapy and medical needs of their children with disabilities.

"The Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters related to finance may, on application by a parent or guardian of a person certified with severe disability and incapable of catering for their basic needs, grant an income tax exemption of sh. 150,000 to the parent or guardian, if the person with severe disability is in the care and custody of the parent or guardian" The Bill reads.

The bill recognizes the high costs associated with providing adequate care, which often require parents to take time off work, thereby impacting their income.

By offering tax relief, the bill aims to reduce the financial strain and improve the quality of life for these families.

"The Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters related to social protection may, on application of a parent or guardian who is indigent and assume full custody and care of a person certified with severe disability and incapable of catering for their basic needs, grant a  long term social assistance monthly cash transfer of not less than sh.10,000 in accordance to the Social Assistance Act" As stated by the Bill.

This measure is part of a broader effort to support individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and services.

The procedure for registration of a person with disabilities to be a beneficiary is simple.

One needs to visit a level 3, 4 or 5 Hospital

Book an appointment for assessment with Medical report, X-rays, CT scans and MRI, copy of National Identity card, a passport size photograph and a payment of Sh. 600 as requirements.

After that, a medical team assesses the applicant and prepares a Person with Disability Medical Assessment Report (PWDMAR).

Then the director of Medical Services (DMS) within 3 months of receiving the PWDMAR report, issues a recommendation for registration.

The applicant submits a copy of the persons with disability medical assessment report to the National Council for Persons with Disabilities with a copy of the National identity card and a passport-size photograph as other requirements.

The applicant is issued with a personal disability registration card at no cost.