Nicosia: The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, welcomed on Monday the voting by the House plenary of a bill for people with disabilities.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides stated in a written announcement that the approval of this bill represents a major social reform within the Republic of Cyprus. The newly endorsed legislation aims to consolidate and regulate all social services and benefits for individuals with disabilities under a unified legislative framework. This effort is directed towards promoting independent living, ensuring equal participation in society, and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of citizens and their families.
The President emphasized that the reform centers on bolstering the autonomy of those with severe disabilities through a contemporary system of support services tailored to their daily needs. A key innovation within this reform is the establishment of 'Licensed Service Providers', who will be responsible for maintaining quality, professional competence, and transparency in service delivery to the disabled community.
President Christodoulides also highlighted a significant aspect of the reform: the gradual separation of benefits from the Minimum Guaranteed Income's income criteria. This recognizes the additional costs associated with disabilities and aims to broaden the scope of beneficiaries eligible for state support.
He noted that the government has already earmarked 106 million euros for implementing this new policy from 2026 to 2028, underscoring its commitment to reinforcing a modern and effective welfare state.
The approved legislation introduces independent living services and new roles such as early family support counselor, instructor, personal work assistant, and psychologist. Meanwhile, existing services like social companions/assistants and Cypriot Sign Language interpreters will be strengthened. The legislation also outlines terms for licensing providers, the evaluation process of applications, and the right to appeal decisions at every stage.
Four additional bills were passed, repealing previous transportation allowances, special grants for the blind, and parking permit regulations, integrating these benefits into the new system. Moreover, the fourth bill reinstates special provisions for individuals over 65, ensuring their rights remain unaffected.
The budget for the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities will increase by 106 million euros over the three-year period of 2026-2028 to support the gradual inclusion of new beneficiaries.
The Council of Ministers is empowered to adjust benefits and oversee the staged implementation of the new framework, which now allows for the employment of personal assistants or caregivers irrespective of citizenship. The rollout of these services will rely on resource availability and provider readiness, with training programs planned to enhance caregiver skills.