The Family Court of Appeal in Cyprus has clarified that the single-parent allowance should be treated as income of the parent receiving it, rather than deducted from the child's expenses, when determining child maintenance. This ruling was made in two judgments dated June 24, 2021, which emphasized that the allowance supports the single parent bearing the household's daily responsibilities rather than directly funding the child.

The court recognized the allowance as a personal right linked to the beneficiary and not as an asset belonging to the child. By including the allowance in the parent’s income, the court aims to ensure a fair allocation of maintenance obligations without inadvertently benefiting the other parent financially.

This decision marks a significant shift in Cypriot family law by prioritizing the social purpose of the allowance and better protecting the financial burdens faced by single parents. It highlights the dynamic nature of family law, seeking a balance between child-centered concerns and practical financial realities for parents.