The first five Independent Living Benefits for people with disabilities are being implemented, following the Cabinet’s approval of a relevant proposal by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Papaellina announced on Friday.

According to a statement from the Deputy Ministry, the proposal concerns the implementation of the Law of 2026 on Social Participation, Inclusion, and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities, which was passed unanimously by the Plenary Session of the House of Representatives last April.

Ms. Papaellina noted that the new law, which aims to upgrade and modernize social benefits and services for people with disabilities, is gradually being implemented, with the five independent living benefits as the first step.

As he stated, as of the date of publication of the relevant Notice in the Official Gazette of the Republic, within the next few days, the provisions regarding the Car Purchase Grant will take effect. The subsidy amount is increasing by 50%, that is, from €3,500 to €5,250, from €4,500 to €6,750, and from €9,000 to €13,500.

At the same time, he noted that the number of eligible recipients is being expanded to include children under 18, as well as individuals aged 70 to 77 who have received the subsidy only once.

Starting on the same date, he added, the provisions for the Transportation Allowance will also take effect, with the allowance increasing by 33%, from €75 to €100 and from €150 to €200 per month. The increase will apply retroactively from January 1, 2026, with a lump-sum payment for the first six months.

The Deputy Minister stated that the eligibility criteria for the Mobility Allowance are being expanded to include, among others, people with quadriplegia over the age of 65, as well as people with moderate or severe disabilities who are working or studying.

Effective August 1, 2026, the Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance will take effect, with Ms. Papaellina noting that this is “one of the most landmark reforms,” as it is no longer tied to income or asset criteria.

As she explained, the existing benefits being consolidated into the new allowance—namely, the Disability Allowance, the Home Care Grant, the Blindness Grant, the Severe Mobility Disability Allowance, the Paraplegic Care Allowance, and the Quadriplegic Care Allowance, will be increased by 10%, with retroactive payment effective January 1, 2026.

He added that other reforms are also being introduced, such as the free choice of personal assistance and care arrangements and the recognition of informal personal assistance and care.

Provisions regarding the Day Center Participation Allowance will take effect on September 1, 2026. The current amount will increase by 100%, from €150 to €300 per month, and will be paid directly to the Day Centers.

Effective October 1, 2026, the Supportive Supplies Allowance will take effect, with all existing beneficiaries incorporated into the new system.

According to the Deputy Minister, the total additional cost for the three-year period 2026–2028, resulting from the increase in social benefits and the gradual expansion of the beneficiary pool by 5,000 people, will amount to approximately €104 million.

Specifically, the additional cost amounts to €23 million for 2026, €36 million for 2027, and €45 million for 2028.

Ms. Papaellina concluded by stating that the decision represents “an additional important step toward a modern, fair, and inclusive social welfare system,” which strengthens the autonomy, dignity, and equal participation of people with disabilities in society.

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