Cyprus’s Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has firmly stated that there are no plans to scrap the blind persons’ grant, refuting claims of misinformation circulating within the community.
- Cyprus's Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has firmly stated that there are no plans to scrap the blind persons' grant, refuting claims of misinformation circulating within the community.
The monthly grant, which provides €382 to blind individuals, continues to be administered without interruption by the Department of Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Currently, there are 1,995 recipients benefiting from this financial support, which totals an annual expenditure of €9.3 million.
Blind persons: Clarification on Grant Processing
Reports suggesting that the processing of new applications had been halted are categorically dismissed by the ministry. In fact, since September 2022, three Disability Assessment Centres located in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca have successfully assessed and approved 88 new blind recipients. Additionally, 120 applications remain active and are being processed as normal.
Addressing Misinformation
The ministry attributes the confusion and subsequent alarm among blind individuals in Cyprus to misinformation originating from the Pan-Cyprian Organisation of the Blind. Officials have urged the public to seek accurate information directly from the ministry to prevent further misunderstanding.
Proposed Legislative Changes
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding disability rights, the ministry also provided details about a forthcoming disability bill currently under consideration in parliament. The Social Participation, Inclusion and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities Law of 2026 aims to clarify the definition of a blind person and the related grant, ensuring that existing benefits remain intact.
Importantly, if the bill passes, there is potential for an increase in the grant amount, as the Council of Ministers would acquire the authority to raise disability benefits in the future. This legislation also seeks to broaden the scope of personal assistance, home care, and independent living provisions for an increased number of recipients.
Protection of Rights
The ministry has reassured the public that all rights currently afforded to blind persons and individuals with disabilities, including concessions on electricity tariffs, will be explicitly safeguarded under the new legislation. This commitment aims to ensure that the rights of these individuals are not only maintained but potentially enhanced moving forward.
