John* is a young man in his early 20s with autism and a vision impairment who applied for disability benefits at the start of the year after losing his job.

A month after submitting the initial application, John was called to have an interview with a board of people to which a parent accompanied him.

This procedure was outlined by former PN MP Jason Azzopardi in a recent Jon Mallia episode.

His parents explained that it is quite clear through John’s communication that he has autism while adding that at the time of the interview, his demeanor was very low due to other mental health issues. This, they said, was impacted by unemployment and having to rely on his family.

Moreover, two weeks following the interview, John was informed that his application was refused. He was also told that he would not be able to reapply.

Yet, despite being refused, John’s parents remained somewhat hopeful and spent another €400 on a psychologist in order to obtain documentation from another professional that proves he qualifies for the benefits; in addition to the hundreds of euros they spend on medication for other issues which is not provided to them by the state.

When hearing that government officials are allegedly granting these benefits within minutes to undeserving people, John’s parents were beyond frustrated; repeating to Lovin Malta that this is not fair.

John – who has a real disability and no income – was unable to qualify for the benefits after months of applying. While others, without any type of impairment, were given the monthly monetary assistance in return for political favours.

This, John’s mother urged, is unjust, unfair, and deeply upsetting.

Currently, John has spent a year unemployed and without any form of state aid, while his parents are full of questions which remain unanswered.

John’s mother is just one of an island of citizens shocked at the disgraceful corruption allegations.

As it stands, it is being alleged that nearly 900 people benefitted from the “coordinated criminal system”, with some 150 people already reportedly brought to court over it.

Former Labour MP Silvio Grixti – who resigned back in 2021 after he was detained and questioned by police in connection to the alleged racket – is believed to have been at the centre of this scandal. At least one claimant said he was referred to Grixti by Minister Owen Bonnici, but this is something that Bonnici and the Office of the Prime Minister have already “categorically denied”.

Just last May, Social Justice Minister Michael Falzon published data showing that 10,897 people had been caught receiving similar social benefits such as childcare, disability, and unemployment aid over the last decade – benefits they were not entitled to. The total of savings and overpayments since 2012, in fact, comes up to some €43.8 million.

Meanwhile, a recent development comes from one of the medical professionals whose signatures were forged in order for people to claim monthly disability benefits.

Medical Association of Malta president Martin Balzan told Times of Malta that the scale of this suggests it comes from above, arguing it “sounds like organised crime” before strongly censuring the alleged criminal activity.

“This is wrong. Cheating the system is wrong. That money is for people who are seriously disabled.”

Balzan is believed to have had his signature forged on around six or seven documents – documents which allowed people to claim monthly benefits of around €450.

Following the revelations, Prime Minister Robert Abela told Times of Malta that no sitting Member of Parliament (MP) was involved in the fraud racket – implying that former MPs were.

If you or anyone you know has experienced something similar to John and his family send an email to [email protected]

*Names have been changed to protect the identities involved.