**Govt Announces Increased Benefits for Disabled People**
The Cypriot government has unveiled a significant increase in state benefits for disabled individuals, allocating an additional €106 million to enhance support from this year through 2028. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis announced the changes on Thursday, emphasizing that the new benefits would be implemented without the need for new applications or bureaucratic hurdles.
One of the primary adjustments involves an increase in monthly benefits for families with disabled children under the age of 18, which will rise from €848 to €935. Additionally, benefits for disabled individuals aged 18 and older will increase from €368 to €405 per month. The government is also raising the allowance for blind individuals and those with severe mobility disabilities by 10 percent. Notably, a 33 percent increase in the mobility allowance was already implemented in July.
Letymbiotis assured beneficiaries that these increases would be automatic, meaning that existing recipients would not need to submit new applications or complete additional paperwork. He also highlighted that the increases would be retroactively applied from the beginning of the year, with the corresponding amounts for 2023 to be disbursed within the final three months of the year.
A significant aspect of the new policy is the decoupling of disability benefits from family income criteria for individuals with severe disabilities. Letymbiotis explained that the rationale behind this change is that the costs and needs associated with disability exist independently of a family's financial situation. This marks a shift in how disability support is structured, aiming to provide more equitable assistance to those in need.
In addition to the financial support, Letymbiotis referenced ongoing reforms in the education system for disabled individuals. Earlier this month, the government announced plans to create personalized education and vocational plans for graduates of special education, which will be developed before they exit the system at age 22. This initiative aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities have tailored pathways to further education and employment.
To further support employment opportunities, the government is increasing subsidies for social enterprises that hire individuals for "special purposes" from €10,000 to €25,000, effective until 2030. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote inclusion and employment for disabled individuals, with approximately 460 people currently participating in government-supported employment programs.
The government is also expanding post-secondary education options for individuals with special needs aged over 22, providing access to personal professional helpers and vocational teachers. School leavers with disabilities who wish to continue their education beyond 22 will have the opportunity to enroll in a new "inclusion and professional empowerment" program at vocational education and training institutes across Cyprus.
In addition to these educational initiatives, the government plans to open day centers for adults with disabilities, supported by €4 million in funding. These centers will offer 30 educational programs and provide €300 grants to each attendee to cover transportation costs to and from the center.
The announcement of these increased benefits and support measures reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for disabled individuals in Cyprus, addressing both immediate financial needs and long-term educational and employment opportunities.