Cyprus allocates €106 million to increase disability benefits through 2028

Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced on Thursday that an additional €106 million will be allocated to increase state benefits for disabled people between this year and 2028. The increases will be paid automatically and applied retroactively from the beginning of the year.

Higher monthly benefits

Benefits for families with disabled children under the age of 18 will rise from €848 to €935 per month. Benefits for disabled people aged 18 and over will increase from €368 to €405 per month.

The allowance for blind people and people with severe mobility disabilities will increase by 10 per cent. The mobility allowance had already been increased by 33 per cent in July.

Automatic payments

Letymbiotis said existing beneficiaries will not need to submit new applications, complete forms or follow additional procedures.

The retroactive amounts for this year will be paid during its final three months, he said.

Income criteria changes

Letymbiotis said the policy changes would not be limited to benefit amounts. Under the new policy, the government will begin decoupling disability benefits from family income criteria for people with severe disabilities.

He said disability creates additional needs and costs regardless of family income.

Special education plans

The spokesman also referred to the government’s previously announced plans to reform the education system for disabled people. Earlier this month, it was announced that each special education graduate will receive a personalised plan before leaving the system at the age of 22.