Over 100,000 people with disabilities last year were supported by the Flemish Agency for People with Disabilities (VAPH). Despite the record number, the waiting list for personal budget funding also grew in 2024.
By the end of last year, 18,261 individuals were still waiting for a new or increased personal budget, a 3.5% rise from the 17,648 people on the list in 2023, according to VAPH data.
People with disabilities can apply for various forms of support through VAPH. This includes personal budgets that allow them to purchase care and support services themselves.
Overall, the agency provided support to 105,482 people in 2024, an increase from 102,194 in 2023 and 96,789 in 2022. The numbers reflect a long-term trend as the number of people with disabilities grows by about 3% annually.
The data also shows a significant rise in the number of individuals receiving personal budgets, which increased by 20% over four years to reach 30,315 by the end of last year.
However, the waiting list for this personal funding continues to grow annually. While the list increased by 5.5% to 17,648 in 2023, it saw an additional 3.5% rise to 18,261 last year.
Although the waiting list for Priority Group 1, which includes those with the most urgent care needs, has been addressed, significant numbers remain in Priority Groups 2 and 3, with 8,091 and 9,685 people respectively.
