MSCA Special Needs Allowance

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have introduced a new allowance to cover the additional costs that its researchers/staff members with a disability face due to the increased costs of their mobility. Beneficiaries of all MSCA grants - ITN, IF, RISE, or COFUND – can apply for a dedicated special needs allowance.

The aim is to support MSCA beneficiaries with a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment, whose participation in MSCA entails extra expenses. The allowance can be used to cover, for example, the costs of assistance by third persons or to adapt their work environment. It cannot include costs already covered by another source, such as social security or health insurance.

The request for such an allowance must be individual-based, include an estimated budget and explain the specific participation need(s) of the researcher/staff member concerned. With the help of independent experts, the Research Executive Agency will evaluate the request and decide on the basis of the need(s) of the researcher/staff member and the budget availability.

The special needs allowance will take the form of a lump sum and cover up to 100% of the eligible costs. It will be limited to a maximum of EUR 60,000 per researcher/staff member. Only researchers/staff members with a disability who are eligible under a Horizon 2020 MSCA grant are eligible for the special needs allowance.

Source: https://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/news/new-msca-allowance-support-fellows-disability_en