The Cyprus cabinet has approved a new bill that increases benefits for people with disabilities, marking the first significant adjustment after more than 20 years. The decision was announced on Friday by Deputy Welfare Minister Clea Papaellina and is seen as a notable milestone by the confederation of organisations for the disabled (Kysoa).

Kysoa highlighted that disability benefits had last been readjusted in 2019 for a limited group and a cost of €4 million. The new bill implements across-the-board increases for all beneficiaries without discrimination, making thousands of people with severe disabilities more visible and enabling them to break free from the constraints of minimum guaranteed income criteria that previously perpetuated poverty.

While the confederation acknowledged that the bill does not resolve all longstanding issues, it described the legislation as an important step towards ensuring every person’s fundamental right to an independent and dignified life.