The Government Spokesperson referred to the new policy regarding young people receiving disability benefits, as the new legislation is now being implemented.
Speaking to reporters during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace, Konstantinos Letympiotis said that “the process began in July, and with the completion of the new payments tomorrow, August 28, a significant social reform is moving from legislation to practice and is beginning to have an immediate impact on the daily lives of thousands of our fellow citizens.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The government drafted and promoted the Law on Social Participation, Inclusion, and Independent Living for People with Disabilities. An additional €106 million has been secured for the period 2026–2028 to implement this new policy.
Read more: “My Friend Nektarios…”: President Christodoulides’s emotional remarks at the presentation of the new framework for people with disabilities (VIDEO)
The first change is immediate and measurable, as benefits are being increased, the Government Spokesperson emphasized. Specifically:
- For a child with a disability up to age 18, the disability benefit increases from €848 to €935 per month. That is €87 more each month.
- For individuals 18 years of age and older, the disability benefit increases from €368 to €405. That is €37 more each month.
- Approved home care benefits are increasing by 10%. Benefits for blind individuals and those with severe mobility impairments, paraplegia, or quadriplegia, with monthly increases ranging from €37.60 to €110.
- The Mobility Allowance was already increased in July from €75 to €100 and from €150 to €200—a 33% increase—while the number of beneficiaries is also expanding.
According to Mr. Letympiotis, for example, 629 quadriplegic individuals over the age of 65, who until now had not been receiving the Mobility Allowance, are now included among the beneficiaries and receive €200 per month, retroactive to July 1, 2026.
These increases will be paid automatically. Existing beneficiaries do not need to submit a new application, fill out forms, or follow any new procedures.
As noted, retroactive payments are scheduled to begin on January 1. A portion of the retroactive payments has already been disbursed, and the remainder will be paid out during the last quarter of the year.
After school
Referring to the changes, he said that they are not limited to the amounts alone. “Until now, in many cases, support for a person with a disability was also linked to family income. The new policy begins the process of decoupling disability benefits from income criteria for people with severe disabilities. “The rationale is clear: disability itself creates additional needs and costs, regardless of family income,” he said.
The first phase covers approximately 15,000 current beneficiaries, while over the next three years, an additional 5,000 people are expected to be gradually included.
Read more: 30 initiatives as part of the policy for people with disabilities: “This is an important step,” says Klea Papaellina
The second phase also includes the following changes concerning young people with disabilities after they graduate.
Specifically, for the first time, a structured pathway is being created for those over 22, with three main options:
• post-secondary vocational education and training,
• supported employment in the open labor market,
• creative employment and quality care for those who need it.
Starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, a new program for inclusion and vocational empowerment will be launched at MIEEKs. At the same time, supported employment programs will be strengthened, and options for creative activities and care will be expanded.
