Government announces ‘Christmas gift’ for welfare recipients

The social welfare deputy ministry announced on Wednesday a “Christmas gift” to be handed out to welfare recipients.

Those entitled to the “gift” are people in receipt of the minimum guaranteed income, the low-income pensioners’ allowance, the honorary allowance for the mothers of many children, and the single parent family allowance, among other social benefits.

Minimum guaranteed income recipients will receive an amount equal to 80 per cent of their family’s basic needs for the month of December, which will be paid into their bank accounts on December 13.

Those receiving the low-income pensioners’ allowance will receive an amount equal to their allowance for the month of December, set at a minimum of €100. The money will be paid into their bank accounts on December 19.

Mothers of many children in receipt of the relevant honorary allowance will receive €100 on December 18.

Those on public welfare support will receive an amount equal to 80 per cent of their family’s basic needs for the month of December. Their payments will be staggered between December 12 and December 15.

Greek Cypriots living in the north will receive an amount equal to their usual government allowance, to be paid on December 13. Children registered at Greek Cypriot schools in Rizokarpaso will also receive an amount equal to their usual government allowance on the same day.

Those in receipt of the single parent family allowance will receive €100 on December 18.

The total cost of the “Christmas gifts” handed out by the government is estimated at €17.3 million.