The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare is aiming to provide dignified living conditions and continuously improve the daily lives of citizens through its ten benefit schemes. According to Christos Diomedous, spokesperson for the Welfare Benefits Management Service, the budget for these benefits amounts to half a billion euros, with funding coming from both state and European funds. The benefits are for families with young and older children, vulnerable citizens, the elderly, low-income pensioners, and many others.
Mr. Diomedous emphasised that the focus is on supporting citizens in the greatest need, based on the demands of modern life. “The goal of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare is to provide personalised and effective services, ensuring social cohesion and the well-being of citizens,” he noted.
Regarding the benefits, he said that “new benefits have been introduced, while with substantive interventions and modernisations decided by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and implemented by the Welfare Benefits Management Service (WBS), existing schemes have been improved, creating a more just and humane framework of social protection, so that benefits reach where they are needed, when they are needed.”
The benefit policies also include families with young children, large families, and single-parent families.
Below are all the benefits, some of which may be well-known.
Schemes for subsidising tuition and meals for children
The scheme has been expanded twice and now covers up to 80% of tuition fees at crèches and nurseries. All families receiving a child benefit are eligible. The amount of the subsidy depends on income and the number of children, with the most vulnerable families receiving a greater level of coverage. From this year, a new scheme covers 100% of tuition fees for children aged 4 to 4 years and 5 months, to ensure all children have access to pre-school education before attending public kindergarten.
Child Benefit
In 2024, the benefit, which is subject to the full Cost of Living Allowance (ATA) increase, was raised by 5%. During the same period, university students from large families became eligible for 50% of the child benefit for the first time. From April 2025, for families with five or more children, income criteria for granting the child benefit will be abolished. The amounts are adjusted according to the number of children and income, with the aim of supporting larger families.
Single-Parent Family Benefit
With a legislative amendment in July 2025, the partner’s income will not be taken into account. Additionally, single parents were included in the special rate 08 of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), securing a 20% discount on their electricity bill.
Honorary Benefit for Large Families
In May 2024, this benefit increased by €50 for all income categories. Eligible recipients are mothers who have raised at least 4 children over 18, with an income up to €32,667 (single) or €49,000 (couples). The benefit amount ranges from €250 to €450 annually, depending on income.
Minimum Guaranteed Income (MGI)
Mr. Diomedous emphasised that a major goal was achieved in January 2025 concerning the MGI, which was reducing the time for reviewing MGI applications to 60 days.
“The MGI covers basic living needs and provides additional benefits for rent, care, municipal fees, extraordinary social needs (furniture, electrical appliances, etc.), loan interest, etc.,” he said, adding that “MGI recipients are eligible for the special rate 08 of the EAC for a 20% electricity discount.”
Support and Care for the Elderly and Low-Income Pensioners
The Deputy Ministry’s policies also include our elderly and vulnerable fellow citizens. A very recent policy concerns supporting low-income pensioners so they can secure a place in a retirement home or even live with dignity.
Scheme for subsidising accommodation and care in retirement homes
The subsidy increased from €745 to €1,300 per month, effective from January 2025, to cover the actual cost of care. Today, 85% of homes nationwide participate, and over 700 elderly people have benefited. For the first time, quality criteria are being applied to homes to ensure that recipients receive services at a decent level. The main beneficiaries are MGI recipients or low-income pensioners, with limited income and savings below €10,000.
Benefit for Pensioners with Low Incomes
This benefit is for households with at least one pensioner. Income must not exceed €10,324 for a single person or €15,486 for couples, while the savings limit is €100,000. In addition to the monthly benefit, recipients receive a Christmas and Easter bonus, as well as a free travel card (MotionBusCard). Furthermore, they have been included in the special rate 08 of the EAC with a 20% discount on electricity.
In 2024, there has been a 5% increase in the low-income pensioner benefit for all income categories.
Additionally, for the second consecutive year, there was a 30% increase in the Easter bonus, and the cost of the pension increases from the Social Security Fund was absorbed so that no recipient’s Low-Income Pensioner Benefit would be reduced due to this increase, allowing low-income pensioners to receive both an increased pension and an unchanged benefit.
State benefits for war victims
Mr. Diomedous clarified that there are three different benefits for people experiencing the consequences of the Turkish invasion, such as enclaved persons or captives and victims of the 1974 war, as well as people who fought in the Second World War.
Enclaved and Resettled Persons
From February 2025, after 18 years, the benefits paid to enclaved and resettled persons increased by 30%. Additionally, in April 2024, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare improved the resettlement scheme in the occupied villages, and now those over 75, living alone or with their spouse, who cannot be self-sufficient, are entitled to a monthly care benefit of €240, in addition to the financial aid they already receive.
Care Provision for 1974 War Captives and Victims
From November 2023, in addition to 1974 war captives and hostages, parents of the fallen and missing, widows of the fallen, and spouses of the missing are also eligible. Income must not exceed €23,000 and savings must not exceed €20,000. After a home assessment, the following is provided:
€240 for partial home care
€400 for full home care
€745 for institutional care
An additional allowance for adult nappies where required
World War II Veterans
A monthly ex-gratia grant is provided to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot veterans who served in the Allied forces, as a token of recognition for their contribution.
