Disabled man punished for marriage? Vilnius resident's story reveals legal loopholes

A Vilnius resident, A. Bernatavičius, feels unfairly penalized by the system after marrying his partner, Jolanta, in August of the previous year. What he anticipated as a new beginning has led to a series of setbacks, including the loss of state support and an unexpected debt.

Following his marriage, Bernatavičius and his wife approached "Vilniaus miesto būstas" (Vilnius City Housing) to be included in the social housing list. However, their request was denied. The institution stated that preferential access to social housing is only available to single individuals with severe disabilities or couples where both partners have severe disabilities. Consequently, Bernatavičius, married to a partner without a disability, lost his chance to qualify for social housing under special provisions.

Adding to his distress, Bernatavičius claims he was further penalized for getting married when "Vilniaus miesto būstas" ceased his housing rental compensation, which had been over 500 euros per month. The company cited his failure to timely inform them of his marital status, despite his initial contact in September after the wedding. He was also retroactively charged 245 euros.

Bernatavičius first noticed the missing compensation in December. After repeated inquiries and assurances that the payment would be processed, he discovered in January that his compensation had been suspended and a debt accrued. He was shocked to find official documents stating he had not reported his marriage, contradicting his earlier communication with the company. Bernatavičius insists he disagrees with the decision, asserting that the institution possessed all the necessary information about his changed family status.