Cyprus plans to broaden income criteria and eligibility categories for child benefits, according to draft legislation by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
The proposed bill, now in public consultation until 30 April, increases income thresholds to account for rises in the Consumer Price Index while expanding income categories eligible for child benefits.
Under the new legislation, benefit amounts will be determined on a sliding scale relative to family income, with payments decreasing as household income rises.
According to the draft bill, benefits will be structured as follows:
- Families earning up to €21,500 annually will receive €588 for one child, €705 for two children, €1,293 for three children, and €2,073 for four or five children
- Families earning between €21,500 and €41,000 will receive €526 for one child, €643 for two children, €1,231 for three children, and €1,887 for four or more children
- Families earning between €41,000 and €51,000 will receive €470 for one or two children, €940 for three children, and €1,559 for four or more children
- Families earning between €51,000 and €61,000 will receive €235 for one child, €427 for two children, €854 for three children, and €1,404 for four or more children
- Families earning between €61,000 and €66,000 will receive €118 for one child, €214 for two children, €854 for three children, and €1,404 for four or more children
The measures extend to higher income brackets, with families earning over €66,000 still eligible for benefits if they have multiple children, though at reduced rates.
The Deputy Ministry states the expanded criteria will benefit approximately 12,000 new family units and more than 16,000 additional children. Around 2,000 children will also gain access to the tuition subsidy scheme.
The expanded eligibility criteria will take effect from 1 January 2026.
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