The proposal by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, which includes five independent living benefits, will provide greater financial support and more rights to approximately 5,000 additional people with disabilities; it were approved by the Cabinet on Thursday.

The proposal concerns the implementation of the Law on Social Participation, Inclusion, and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities of 2026, which was passed last April by the House of Representatives.

“Car purchase subsidy. The subsidy amount is increased by 50% from 3,500 euros to 5,250, from 4,500 euros to 6,750, and from 9,000 euros to 13,500 euros.”
_{^{Klea Papaellina – Deputy Minister of Social Welfare}}

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The number of beneficiaries is expanding and will now include children under 18 as well as individuals aged 70 to 77 who have received the grant only once.

The transportation allowance is increasing by 33%, effective January 1, and the amount will be paid retroactively.

“The pool of eligible recipients is 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.”
_{^{Klea Papaellina – Deputy Minister of Social Welfare}}

Effective August 1, the Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance will take effect. The allowance will no longer depend on the beneficiary’s income or assets.

“The existing benefits that are being consolidated into this new benefit—namely, the disability benefit, the care recipient grant, the blind person’s 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.”
_{^{Klea Papaellina – Deputy Minister of Social Welfare}}

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Starting September 1, 2026, the Day Center Participation Allowance will increase from 150 euros to 300 euros and will be paid directly to the centers, while as of October 1,the Supportive Supplies Allowance, with all existing beneficiaries being incorporated into the new system.

In a statement, KYSOA welcomed the implementation of the legislation, emphasizing that this is the first substantial across-the-board adjustment to disability benefits in decades. In contrast, the Cyprus Paraplegic Organization expressed strong reservations, noting that the increases do not meet the actual needs of people with severe mobility disabilities.

Watch Eleni Michael’s report: