The minimum subsistence level is an essential factor in providing support within the social security system of the Slovak Republic. Act No. 601/2003 Coll. on minimum subsistence level and on amendment of certain acts as amended, defines the minimum subsistence level as a socially recognized minimum income threshold of a natural person. If one's income is lower than this threshold, the situation is classified as material need.
The minimum subsistence level for a natural person or natural persons whose income is assessed jointly is considered:
- EUR 268.88 per month, in the case of an adult natural person *
- EUR 187.57 per month, in the case of another jointly assessed adult natural person*
- EUR 122.77 per month, in the case of an independent minor or a dependent child*
These amounts are adjusted as of July 1 of the current calendar year. Adjusted amounts of the minimum subsistence level are determined annually by the provision of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family and the full wording is usually published in the Journal of Laws.
Inclusion of incomes
To determine the income of a natural person for purposes of determining the minimum subsistence level the following are included:
- in the case of the assessed person – his/her income and the income of his/her spouse
- in the case of parents with a dependent child – the incomes of the parents and the income of the dependent child who lives in a common household with the parents
- in the case of parents, who are dependent on children themselves – their incomes and incomes, received by another natural person on their behalf
- in the case of a dependent child – his/her income and the income of his/her parents if they live in a common household; if the child lives in the household only with one parent, with another natural person or alone, then the income of the child, parent and the income received by another natural person on behalf of the child
- in the case of a minor- his/her income
The following are not considered incomes for the purpose of determining the amount of the subsistence minimum:
- lump-sum state social benefits
- cash grants for persons with disabilities are used to compensate for social effects caused by their disability except for nursing allowance
- increase of helplessness allowance
- lump-sum material need benefit
- scholarships
- lump-sum allowance under the Law on payment of lump-sum allowance disbursement to pensioners in 2004
- meal allowance under the Act No. 305/2005 Coll. on Social Protection of Children and Social Guardianship
- social reintegration benefit under the Act No. 305/2005 Coll. on Social Protection of Children and Social Guardianship
- Christmas benefit
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