Newsroom / CNA
The Parliamentary Labour Committee conducted an independent review of the procedure for evaluating unemployment benefit applications on Tuesday. The discussion was prompted by DIKO MP Panicos Leonidou, who brought attention to a specific incident he was informed about. According to Leonidou, an official from the Social Security Department sought information from neighbors regarding an individual claiming unemployment benefits.
Following the committee meeting, Mr. Leonidou stated that Social Security officials frequently exceed their authority and behave abusively during the examination of benefit applications. Consequently, he argued that citizens' rights are violated during this allegedly objective investigation.
Moreover, Leonidou noted that not only is the examination process delayed, but the actual disbursement of benefits to recipients is also significantly delayed. To address this issue, he expressed the opinion that a small provisional allowance should be paid until the application is thoroughly reviewed and the final amount and payment schedule are determined.
"We firmly believe that individuals should be able to exercise their rights and receive the support provided by the state when they need it most. If someone is unemployed and applies for benefits from the Social Security Office, they should receive timely financial assistance," Leonidou emphasized.
He further emphasized that any delays by the state indicate a failure to function as a welfare state or a state governed by the rule of law.
Regarding the incident that prompted his concern, Leonidou explained that an officer from the Social Security Department was sent to investigate the dismissal of a company director's wife. In addition to visiting the claimant's residence, the officer also visited neighboring houses to inquire about her employment status.
Such actions, according to Leonidou, are unacceptable as they violate citizens' personal dignity, privacy, and personal data.
Leonidou called upon the Inspector in charge of the inspectors and the Director of Social Security to review the relevant legislation with a commitment to exercising the power of public bodies in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity, good administration, and avoids exceeding their authority or acting abusively.
