Newsroom
The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare has refuted claims that the Child Benefit has been cut, instead announcing an increase in the allowance and an expansion in eligibility to include all middle-class families.
In a statement released over the weekend, the ministry "categorically denies" a report published by Alitheia newspaper alleging the benefit was slashed. The ministry emphasized that the benefit has in fact increased by 5% over the past two years and is now fully adjusted for inflation.
Among other changes, university students from large families have been added to the program, meeting a long-standing request by the Pancyprian Organization of Large Families. Additionally, income criteria have been removed for families with five or more dependent children.
Benefit payments were issued Friday to more than 60,000 recipients, though some reported changes in individual amounts. The ministry clarified that variations are due to unchanged eligibility criteria, such as increased household income or children reaching adulthood.
The ministry criticized Alitheia for citing unverified social media posts to present what it called a “distorted and generalized picture” of the benefit’s status. Officials urged citizens to consult official sources or call the 1450 helpline for personal inquiries.
