Cyprus's new disability policy is moving into implementation, with increased benefits being paid automatically from 28 August and a broader support framework coming into effect for persons with disabilities.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the reform, which began rolling out in July, will become visible in the daily lives of thousands of beneficiaries as the latest payments are completed.
€106m allocated for reform
According to Letymbiotis, the government has secured an additional €106 million in funding for the period 2026-2028 to support the implementation of the new policy.
The measures are linked to the new Law on Social Participation, Inclusion and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to expand support and strengthen social inclusion.
Benefits increased automatically
Letymbiotis stressed that the first major change concerns the amount of support paid to beneficiaries.
"The first change is immediate and measurable: benefits are increasing," he said.
The increases are being granted without the need for a new application, with beneficiaries receiving the higher payments automatically.
Part of the backdated payments has already been made, while the remainder is expected to be paid during the final quarter of the year.
"In simple terms: more support, without a new application, without additional bureaucracy and without further inconvenience," he said.
Income criteria to be phased out
The reform also begins the process of decoupling disability benefits from income criteria for persons with severe disabilities.
According to Letymbiotis, support for people with disabilities has often been linked to family income levels.
"With the new policy, the process begins to remove income-based criteria for people with severe disabilities," he said.
New pathway for young people after 22
The spokesman also highlighted measures targeting young people with disabilities after they leave school.
The policy, announced by President Nikos Christodoulides on 4 August, establishes a structured pathway for life after the age of 22.
The framework offers three main options:
- Post-secondary vocational education and training.
- Supported employment in the open labour market.
- Creative activity programmes and quality care services for those who require them.
New MIEEK programme
From the 2026-27 academic year, a new inclusion and vocational empowerment programme will be introduced through the MIEEK post-secondary institutes.
At the same time, supported employment schemes and creative care programmes will be expanded.
Letymbiotis said the reform rests on two pillars:
- Greater financial support.
- More opportunities and choices for the future.
