A woman who received social benefits over two years has been instructed to repay more than €11,000 after authorities discovered she had not disclosed her cohabitation with a partner. The woman, who received minimum guaranteed income since 2016, was found to be engaged to an employed individual and had been illegally working, leading to suspension of her benefits in 2018.

The social welfare department informed her in October 2020 that she owed €11,040 for benefits received between December 2016 and October 2018. After the suspension, the woman appealed to the administrative court, but her appeal was dismissed.

This case highlights stringent oversight by Cyprus’ social welfare system, ensuring accurate entitlement and repayment when benefits are improperly received.