10% AND RETROACTIVE INCREASES IN DISABILITY BENEFITS - WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE NEW PLAN, WHO MUST APPLY AND WHO DOES NOT - Filenews 20/8
Increases in the benefits paid to people with disabilities, with retroactive effect from the beginning of the year and expansion of the categories of beneficiaries, are provided for in the first phase of the implementation of the new Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance.
According to a relevant announcement, the existing disability benefits, which are incorporated into the new allowance, are increased by 10%, with retroactive application from January 1, 2026.
The new benefit has been in place since 1 August 2026 and is a key part of the reform on social participation, inclusion and independent living of persons with disabilities.
Which benefits are incorporated
The new Personal Assistance and Home Care Allowance incorporates existing benefits that until now were paid through the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities and the Welfare Benefits Management Service.
These are:
- Sponsorship of the Blind
- Severe Motor Disability Allowance
- Paraplegic Care Allowance
- Quadriplegic Care Allowance
- Disability Allowance
- Home Care Grant
Current beneficiaries do not lose the benefits they already receive. The existing amounts are transferred to the new framework, together with the planned increases.
Increase of 10% and retroactively
The increase is calculated from January 1, 2026, although the implementation of the new allowance began in August. Beneficiaries will receive a lump sum corresponding to the retroactive difference for the period during which the previous amounts were still paid.
For home care, the supplementary increase corresponds to 10% of the approved amount of each beneficiary.
Increases are calculated based on the approved benefits and decisions in force for each person. Because the amounts vary depending on the provision and support needs, not all beneficiaries will receive the same retroactive amount.
The exact date of payment of the retroactive payments will be announced by the competent services after the completion of the necessary computerized and control procedures.
Existing beneficiaries without a new application
Those who already receive one of the benefits incorporated in the new benefit do not need to submit a new application to continue receiving the support or to be paid the increase.
The transition and processing of payments are carried out automatically, based on the data available to the TKEAA and the Welfare Benefits Management Service.
Beneficiaries must, however, make sure that their registered bank account and contact details remain correct and up-to-date to avoid delays in crediting the money.
Increases may appear in bank accounts as separate payments from regular monthly benefits, to make it easier for beneficiaries to identify individual amounts.
Who can submit a new application
The implementation of the new allowance and the inclusion of new beneficiaries will take place gradually. During the first phase, they can apply, among others:
- Children with disabilities under the age of 18
- People who meet the criteria for Sponsorship for the Blind
- People with severe motor disabilities
- People with paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Adults under 65 who receive a Guaranteed Minimum Income
- People who are close to 65 years of age
- Persons whose Disability Allowance has been interrupted, but still have a valid certification of severe disability or moderate mental disability.
The application forms are also available online from the offices of the TKEAA in Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca, as well as from the Citizen Service Centres.
Completed applications must be submitted to the Department's offices or sent by post, according to the instructions on the form.
Disconnection from income criteria
One of the most important changes is the gradual decoupling of disability support from the income and property criteria of the Guaranteed Minimum Income.
The government's position is that disability benefits should be linked to the individual's support and independent living needs and not solely to the financial situation of the individual or his family.
The decoupling does not apply to all potential beneficiaries at the same time. The inclusion of new categories will take place gradually, based on the evaluation procedures, the administrative capabilities and the relevant government decisions.
The goal of the first three years is to include about 5,000 additional beneficiaries, while the expansion of the system is expected to continue after 2028.
Choosing a personal assistant or caregiver
The new framework also provides that people with disabilities will be able to choose their personal assistant or home caregiver, depending on their individual needs.
The regulation aims to strengthen the autonomy of beneficiaries and to gradually transition from a system of general allowances to a support model that takes more account of the real needs of daily living.
For information and clarifications, those interested can call the 1450 line, from Monday to Friday, between 08:00 and 17:00, or contact the district offices of TKEAA.
