**Title: Mountain and Remote Community Allowances for 2026 Approved by Cyprus Council of Ministers**
The Council of Ministers in Cyprus has officially approved the support allowances for residents of mountain and remote communities for the year 2026. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to those living in less accessible areas, continuing a program that has been in place for several years.
The approved allowances are divided into two distinct categories: altitude-based and distance-based allowances.
**Altitude-Based Allowance**
The altitude-based allowance is designated for residents of communities situated at an elevation of at least 600 meters. The payment structure is as follows:
- Households at altitudes between 600 and 800 meters will receive €175 per year.
- Households at altitudes between 801 and 1,000 meters will receive €225 per year.
- Households located above 1,000 meters will receive €260 per year.
In addition to the household payment, each member of the household, regardless of their status as a pensioner or non-pensioner, will receive an annual payment of €165. For instance, a four-person household living at an altitude of 600 to 800 meters would receive a total of €835, calculated as €175 for the household plus €660 (€165 per person).
Eligibility for this allowance is limited to Cypriot citizens and EU nationals who have been permanent residents in the qualifying communities for at least the past two years. However, non-EU citizens, domestic helpers, monasteries, and individuals owning holiday homes in these areas are excluded from eligibility.
**Distance-Based Allowance**
The second category, the distance-based allowance, targets residents living in communities that are at least 40 kilometers away from an urban center, or between 30 and 39 kilometers away if the community is at an altitude of at least 700 meters. This allowance is specifically for non-pensioner adults who are working members of qualifying households.
The payment structure for the distance-based allowance is as follows:
- Residents in communities located 40 to 59 kilometers from the nearest urban center will receive €300 per year.
- Residents in communities situated 60 kilometers or more from the nearest urban center will receive €600 per year.
It is important to note that this allowance does not extend to pensioners.
**Tillyria Area Exception**
An additional provision has been made for residents of the Tillyria area, which includes Kato Pyrgos, Pano Pyrgos, Pachyammos, Pomos, Pigenia, Agios Theodoros Tillyrias, Alevga, Mansoura, Mosfili, and Selladi tou Appi. Residents in this region will receive a 50% increase on the standard amounts due to the area's geographical isolation and the unique challenges posed by its frontier character, as well as the historical context stemming from the Turkish invasion.
These allowances are part of a broader strategy to support residents in less accessible regions of Cyprus, ensuring that they receive the necessary financial assistance to improve their quality of life.
The decision reflects the government's ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of mountain and remote communities, recognizing the challenges faced by residents in these areas.
As the implementation of these allowances approaches, residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and prepare for the application process to benefit from this support in 2026.