Personal Budget Assistance Scheme

The Personal Budget Assistance Scheme (PBAS) is aimed at supporting persons with disabilities  in achieving greater autonomy and inclusion within their communities. The scheme provides a financial subsidy to enable eligible individuals to employ personal assistants who help them carry out daily activities, thereby facilitating independent living and reducing reliance on institutional or family-based care.

The Personal Budget Assistance Scheme is not merely a funding mechanism – it is a rights-based, person-driven model that redefines support for persons with disabilities. By aligning with international standards, it contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The service is firmly grounded in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly Article 19, which affirms the right of persons with disabilities to live independently and be fully included in the community. The Personal Budget Assistance Scheme implements this right by offering a flexible, person-centered support model that empowers individuals to make choices about how, when, and by whom their support is delivered.

The Personal Budget Assistance Scheme is offered to persons with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 60.

Click this link for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on this service

The Intake Team receives and processes all intake requests by prospective services, families, and other professionals who ask for any service within the Agency. All intakes are meticulously assessed by the Intake professionals, who will identify which service/s the individual can benefit from dependent on the needs, interests and wishes of the individual.

Following this assessment, and once eligibility is established, the team will liaise accordingly with the professionals from the Personal Budget Assistance Team.

The case is then allocated for a thorough assessment, during which the individual’s needs, goals, and living circumstances are carefully evaluated. Following this, the case is presented before a Board for review and decision-making. If approved, a decision letter is issued, followed by the signing of a service agreement. The service is then initiated, and its continuation is reviewed and renewed based on the evolving needs of the beneficiary.

Professionals will guide applicants through the administrative and evaluative stages and ensure that each case is presented clearly and fairly to the Board. However, the scheme also emphasises the importance of limiting long-term dependency on professionals. One of its core objectives is to build the capacity of individuals and families to manage their own support arrangements. This includes training and resources to help beneficiaries independently recruit, supervise, and coordinate their personal assistants, thereby fostering long-term empowerment and self-determination.

The application process for the Family Assistance Support Scheme is structured to ensure clarity and efficiency. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Applicant submits application

Initial application is submitted through the Intake Team.

2. Referral to Personal Budget Assistance Team

Intake Team forwards the referral to the Personal Budget Assistance Team.

3. Case allocation

Once a professional is available, the case is allocated.

4. Personal Budget Assistance Scheme assessment

Thorough assessment is carried out by the Personal Budget Assistance Team.

5. Presentation to Board

Case is presented in front of the Board for review.

6. Decision letter issued

Decision letter is issued based on the Board’s review.

7. Service agreement signed

Service agreement is signed between the beneficiary and the service provider.

8. Service initiation

Service is initiated as per the agreement.

9. Service renewal

Service is reviewed and renewed according to the beneficiary’s needs.