Nicosia, Cyprus. Revised legislation under review by the House labour committee is expected to make more than 10,000 additional people eligible for disability benefits, with officials aiming for approval before the parliamentary term ends in early April.
Committee review and timeline
The discussion, held on Friday, is intended to overhaul the existing framework governing support for people with disabilities. Further deliberation is scheduled, according to committee chair and Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias, who said the aim is to bring the bills to the plenary within the current parliamentary period.
The final plenary session is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, though an extension to April 6 remains possible.
Key changes under consideration
The proposed changes aim to address exclusions affecting individuals with severe disabilities who were previously ineligible because benefits were linked to the minimum guaranteed income. The revisions also target income thresholds that included spouses’ earnings or limited employment.
Kafkalias said the objective remains to seek improvements to issues submitted in the previous period. He said lawmakers want to use every opportunity to improve the text, while noting that for bills of this nature, the executive branch has the final say.
Positions from political parties
Diko MP Andreas Apostolou described the reform as a significant step forward, while pointing to financial considerations that may shape its final form. He said continued engagement with the executive is needed so that supplementary funding and the 2027 budgets provide increased funds.
Apostolou said the primary effect of the amendments will be an expansion of eligibility.
How do you think the proposed changes should balance expanded eligibility with budget constraints?
