Children with disabilities in Cyprus were not paid retroactive EEE benefits due to delays of up to 18 months

The Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Despo Michaelidou, stated in a report that the Benefits Management Service (ΥΔΕΠ) deprived some children with disabilities of retroactive EEE (Guaranteed Minimum Income) payments by delaying the processing of applications in certain cases for up to 18 months. According to her assessment, the service requested additional documents after submission that are not required by law, resulting in the effective deprivation of funds necessary for children’s treatment and basic needs.

The report emphasizes that many families were forced to cover therapy expenses themselves, while about half of families with disabled members live below the poverty line. Despite the government’s promise that from 2024 applications would be processed within 60 days, the problem remains for applications submitted during 2022–end of 2023. According to the report, ΥΔΕΠ refuses to acknowledge responsibility and pay retroactive benefits, shifting the blame onto families.

The Commissioner points out violations of good governance principles and international conventions (Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and calls for the annulment of decisions and payment to six affected children. The report was sent to the Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Social Protection, and the parliamentary committees on Labour and Human Rights; notifications were received by six families. Affected families are advised to contact the Commissioner’s office or the relevant department to clarify the status of payments and protect their rights.