Nicosia, Cyprus. Disability benefits in Cyprus are set to increase and become more inclusive under legislation approved on July 2, which Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Papaellina described on Friday as one of the most important reforms in years. She presented a roadmap for implementation, saying the changes place people at the centre of the state’s approach to disability while safeguarding dignity, quality of life and fundamental rights.
Implementation roadmap
Papaellina said the roadmap provides for the gradual improvement of benefits, while those already eligible will continue to receive allowances.
All monthly allowances paid by the deputy welfare ministry will be increased and will gradually be extended to 5,000 more people over the next three years, with further expansion planned after that. The stated aim is to reach 12,000 new beneficiaries in addition to the 15,000 already eligible.
Funding through 2028
Papaellina said that for the three-year period to 2028, additional funding of about €106 million has been approved for benefits. The allocation includes €26 million for 2026, €35 million for 2027 and €45 million for 2028.
New provisions and services
The legislation introduces a framework of 11 social provisions and eight services for independent living, aimed at strengthening autonomy, social integration and tailored support for people with disabilities.
According to Papaellina, the 11 social provisions include allowances for personal assistance and home care, transport, support consumables, day care participation, subsidies for the purchase of a car, wheelchair, support consumables and technology, subsidised holidays, wheelchair and technology borrowing, a parking pass and a European disability card.
The eight services include decision-making advisors, instructors, labour integration professionals, personal assistants, sign language interpreters, social aides, independent living home support and early family support consultants.
Ongoing work
Papaellina said the reform would help people choose how to live and how to participate in society. She added that implementation would require continuous work, upgrades to information systems, adaptation of procedures and a constant flow of information to the public.