Major disability benefit reform launched with €106 million funding boost and gradual expansion

Local disabilitiessocial welfareTop News Major disability benefit reform launched with €106 million funding boost and gradual expansion Atoma Me Anapiria 1536x864 Relevant News Cyprus braces for 40°C heat with daily yellow warnings expected from Sunday 11 July 2026 Major disability benefit reform launched with €106 million funding boost and gradual expansion 11 July 2026 Passenger pulled back inside Ryanair flight after engine debris shatters cabin window 11 July 2026 Marilena Panayi 11 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber A major legislative reform concerning the Social Participation, Inclusion, and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities has entered into force, introducing increases to all monthly disability benefits, a progressive inclusion of new beneficiaries, 11 social benefits, and eight independent living services. The new framework guarantees that current beneficiaries will retain all the provisions they currently receive, whilst the widening of the system will be carried out progressively. During the initial phase, which spans the 2026–2028 period, approximately 5,000 persons with disabilities are expected to be integrated into the scheme, backed by an additional €106 million in state funding. Following the completion of this first three-year cycle, the expansion will continue with the ultimate goal of supporting a total of 12,000 new beneficiaries. Presenting the roadmap for the reform, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Papaellina, stated that the new framework reshapes how the state approaches disability, placing emphasis on autonomy and the equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. Papaellina clarified that no existing beneficiaries will lose their current assistance, explaining that the first phase of implementation introduces an increase to all monthly disability allowances currently being distributed. The Deputy Minister highlighted that the most significant component of the reform is the inclusion of non-financial provisions in the planning. Specifically, a framework of 11 independent living social benefits and eight independent living services is being introduced to substantially reinforce the autonomy of persons with disabilities and enable them to participate equally in society. The philosophy of the reform is based on transitioning from a model focused primarily on providing allowances to a system that supports the actual needs of each individual, enhancing independent living and personal choice. The full rollout of the reform requires the upgrading of IT systems, the adjustment of administrative procedures, staff training, and thorough public information campaigns. For these reasons, the planning prescribes execution across three distinct phases, meaning that changes to allowances and the inclusion of new beneficiaries will take place progressively rather than simultaneously for everyone. From August 2026, a personal assistance and home care allowance will be implemented, which will integrate the current Disability Allowance. According to the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, the new provision will be accompanied by benefit increases and a gradual widening of the recipient pool. The number of beneficiaries is estimated to rise from roughly 16,500 at present to 21,500 by the end of 2028, whilst in the long term, it is anticipated to reach approximately 28,500 as the system decouples from income and property criteria. The detailed timeline for the rollout is structured as follows: Phase A The first phase involves five independent living benefits, with gradual implementation taking place during the second half of 2026. July 2026: Launch of the Car Purchase Grant and the new Mobility Allowance. The Mobility Allowance will see a 33% increase, rising from €75 to €100 and from €150 to €200. Additionally, a one-off payment corresponding to the increase backdated to 1 January 2026 for a six-month period will be credited to the accounts of existing beneficiaries at the end of July. August 2026: Launch of the Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance. September 2026: Launch of the Day Centre Participation Allowance. October 2026: Launch of the Supportive Consumables Allowance. Phase B According to the decision of the Council of Ministers, the second phase of implementation will commence before the end of 2026 and will focus on the expansion and rollout of the eight independent living services. Phase C During 2027, the full application of all provisions of the new law is scheduled, encompassing all 11 independent living benefits and the eight independent living services. To fund the implementation of the reform, €26 million will be spent in 2026, €35 million in 2027, and €45 million in 2028. Citizens interested in learning about the new rights or when they might be included in the new framework are advised to follow official announcements from the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, as various provisions of the reform will be activated at different stages. As the Deputy Minister pointed out, the success of the new framework will not be judged by the passing of the law, but by the extent to which it improves the daily lives of persons with disabilities. She emphasized that the implementation process requires significant preparation by the competent services. She assured that the Deputy Ministry will continue to cooperate closely with organisations representing persons with disabilities and their families, whilst the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities will publish an annual progress report containing data on the implementation course of the reform. Press Conference Revised National Strategy Action Plan for Disability 2024 28 According to the Deputy Minister, the new legislative framework is fully aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the European and National Disability Strategies. Furthermore, it forms part of the government’s commitments to modernise the welfare state and reinforce social cohesion. The success of the reform will be judged by the improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities, the widening of their choices, and their meaningful, equal participation in society, the Deputy Minister concluded. 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