Living on a €301 disability pension: Aija's story from Rembate parish

Aija Štenerte, who lives in Rembate parish, is among the readers who responded to LA.LV's call to openly share details of their monthly income and expenses. She holds a category II disability status and receives a monthly pension of €301.

Aija previously worked as a nurse, a job she loved, and also in horticulture. About ten years ago, she suffered a back injury while trying to lift a patient. After a second back surgery, doctors warned she had to stop working to avoid ending up in a wheelchair. Her health deteriorated further during the Covid period, and at one point, at age 47, she lost the ability to move her toes. A precise diagnosis explaining all her health problems has still not been found.

How the budget is split

Aija divides her €301 pension into three rough parts. The largest share covers essential bills such as land tax, electricity and firewood, around €50 a month goes toward medication, and about €100 is set aside for food. She receives no additional benefits because her land plot is 20 square meters larger than the allowed limit. Doctor visits beyond state-covered ones, as well as cultural events, are financially out of reach for her.

Aija lives alone, but an assistant helps her with daily tasks — a pensioner himself, who provides help free of charge. Once a month she allows herself a small treat, such as a piece of fish or smoked chicken.

Sources of strength

Faith, her pets and handicrafts give Aija strength in daily life — she knits socks and gloves, tends her garden, makes preserves and dries herbs. Despite the hardships, she admits there have also been very dark moments. Looking ahead, Aija hopes to save enough money to study theology at the Riga Graduate School of Theology.