The House of Representatives has unanimously approved the disability reform bill, introducing a new framework that restructures state support and removes income criteria from certain disability benefits.
The bill was passed during a plenary session attended by Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina.
Gradual removal from income criteria
A key element of the reform is the gradual decoupling of some disability benefits from the income criteria of the Guaranteed Minimum Income scheme. The change recognises the additional costs associated with disability and expands the number of individuals eligible for state support.
According to the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, funding of €106 million has already been allocated for the implementation of the measures during the period 2026–2028.
A unified framework for disability support
Chair of the House Labour Committee Andreas Kafkalias told the plenary that the new framework is the result of a long-standing effort to modernise benefits and services with the aim of strengthening independent living for persons with disabilities.
He acknowledged the role of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the organised disability movement, led by the Cyprus Confederation of Organisations of the Disabled (KYSOA), in shaping the reform.
Kafkalias said the initiative also seeks to improve Cyprus’ standing compared with other countries in terms of both expenditure levels and support policies, noting that the issue had been examined on a cross-party basis within the Labour Committee.
“Umbrella” law consolidating benefits
The legislation functions as a unified “umbrella” law that consolidates previously scattered benefits while introducing new provisions.
These include the removal of financial criteria for persons with increased care needs and their separation from the Guaranteed Minimum Income scheme, the recognition of informal carers, automatic adjustment of allowances and the introduction of additional social services.
Kafkalias noted that during committee discussions efforts were made to improve the framework. He added that the real value of the reform will become clear through its implementation, with the government to be judged on how the provisions are applied.
He also pointed out that several issues raised by organisations representing persons with disabilities remain outside the current regulatory framework.
Concluding his remarks, he described the reform as an important step, while stressing that the effort does not end with the adoption of the law.