Audit Office: Cases of long-term social benefit payments failing to meet criteria identified in Cyprus

In Cyprus, the Audit Office published Special Report No. ΕΕ-ΕΥ 16/2026 on April 7, 2026, regarding a compliance audit of a sample of transactions by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare (Υφυπουργείο Κοινωνικής Πρόνοιας) for the years 2022–2023.

The report states that identified violations concern payments for Minimum Guaranteed Income (ΕΕΕ), the low-income pensioners' allowance, child benefit, and the single-parent family allowance. The audit showed that the current social benefit management system and control mechanisms have shortcomings, resulting in long-term payments to individuals who may not meet legal requirements.

It was specifically noted that Minimum Guaranteed Income payments, intended as temporary social support, have in some cases created dependency: the state is not using available tools to facilitate the labor integration of applicants, undermining the system's sustainability and social justice.

In the report, the Audit Office recommends implementing modern and reliable management and control mechanisms to ensure benefits function as a safety net for those truly in need, rather than as an alternative way of life. The report is published on the Audit Office's website.