The government in Cyprus plans to separate disabled benefits from the Guaranteed Minimum Income program in order to better address the unique needs of disabled individuals, increase support funds by €60 million, and enhance social inclusion. Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou is leading the charge by engaging stakeholders in drafting targeted legislation for a more inclusive benefits policy, signaling a significant commitment to overhauling the current system.
What is the government’s plan for reforming the benefits system for disabled individuals?
The government plans to overhaul the benefits system for disabled people by separating disabled benefits from the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) program. This reform aims to address the unique needs of disabled individuals more effectively, ensure social inclusion, and increase support funds by €60 million. The government’s commitment includes engaging stakeholders in drafting targeted legislation for a more inclusive benefits policy.
Commitment to Change
The government has taken a significant step towards improving the welfare of disabled people by announcing an initiative to reform the current benefits system. As it stands, the benefits for disabled citizens are intertwined with the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) program. This linkage has been criticized for not adequately addressing the unique needs of disabled individuals.
Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou emphasized the administration’s strong resolve to separate disabled benefits from the GMI framework. Her engagement with the Confederation Organisation of the Disabled signifies the beginning of a series of discussions and consultations. The aim is to bring other stakeholders and organizations into the fold, laying the groundwork for drafting targeted legislation aimed at advancing the social inclusion and rehabilitation of disabled persons.
Challenging the Status Quo
The current arrangement has resulted in considerable financial losses for the disabled community, with estimates suggesting a reduction of up to 40 percent in benefits since the GMI’s introduction in 2014. Christakis Nicolaides, the head of the Confederation, expressed a long-standing dissatisfaction with past efforts to address these concerns. However, there’s a newfound optimism with Minister Evangelou’s approach, signaling a genuine commitment to catalyzing change.
The call for action includes an appeal to bolster state funds for disabled support by €60 million. Nicolaides cautioned that without legislative progress, Cyprus risks falling behind its European Union counterparts in terms of disability benefits and support.
Legislative Priorities and Inclusivity
Concerns were raised about the potential delay in legislative advancements by Stelios Theofilou, head of the Organisation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled. He advocated for parliament to proactively draft a bill. Nonetheless, Deputy Minister Evangelou countered by suggesting that a government-led bill, backed by comprehensive data, would be more effective.
At the parliamentary discussion, attention was also drawn to individuals with conditions that are not immediately apparent, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The need for an inclusive benefits policy that recognizes a broad spectrum of disabilities was a focal point.
Monitoring Progress and Taking Action
The House labour committee, chaired by Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias, underscored the necessity of moving from dialogue to concrete actions. The committee will monitor the progress bi-monthly, ensuring that the government’s commitment translates into tangible improvements for the lives of disabled individuals. This structured oversight is vital in maintaining momentum and accountability as the government endeavors to reform the benefits system.
What is the government’s plan for reforming the benefits system for disabled individuals?
The government plans to overhaul the benefits system for disabled people by separating disabled benefits from the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) program. This reform aims to address the unique needs of disabled individuals more effectively, ensure social inclusion, and increase support funds by €60 million. The government’s commitment includes engaging stakeholders in drafting targeted legislation for a more inclusive benefits policy.
How has Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou been involved in this initiative?
Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou has been leading the charge in overhauling the benefits system for disabled individuals in Cyprus. She has engaged with stakeholders, including the Confederation Organisation of the Disabled, in drafting legislation aimed at enhancing social inclusion and increasing support funds for disabled citizens.
What are the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the current benefits system for disabled individuals?
Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the current benefits system, particularly the intertwining of disabled benefits with the Guaranteed Minimum Income program. These concerns include significant financial losses for disabled individuals, lack of adequate support for various disabilities, and the need for a more inclusive benefits policy that recognizes a broader spectrum of disabilities.
How is the government addressing the need for legislative advancements and inclusivity in the benefits system reform?
The government is committed to drafting targeted legislation for a more inclusive benefits policy that addresses the unique needs of disabled individuals. While some stakeholders have advocated for proactive legislative action, Deputy Minister Evangelou has emphasized the importance of a government-led bill backed by comprehensive data. Attention has also been drawn to the importance of recognizing a broad spectrum of disabilities, including conditions that may not be immediately apparent.
