Cyprus government expands subsidy scheme for elderly care homes

On Wednesday, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaelina, announced that the Council of Ministers has approved improvements to the subsidy scheme for residential care for the elderly. The initiative, which has been in effect since early 2025 following an October 2024 government decision, currently supports approximately 900 vulnerable beneficiaries, including low-income pensioners and recipients of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI). The government has increased the maximum monthly subsidy for accommodation from €745 to €1,300, with an annual expenditure of €5 million. The latest cabinet decision aims to clarify implementation terms and broaden the inclusion criteria for vulnerable persons. Additionally, the policy mandates that personal comfort allowances will now be paid directly to the beneficiaries. The majority of care homes across all districts of Cyprus are currently participating in the scheme, which also enforces specific quality standards.