Parliamentary committee begins review of disability benefits bill

On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Committee on Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance commenced discussions on a bill aimed at delinking disability benefits from the Guaranteed Minimum Income. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize social services and support independent living for individuals with disabilities. Andreas Kafkalias, the Committee Chair and AKEL Member of Parliament, noted that while the intent of the bill is recognized, its late submission less than a month before the final plenary session of the current parliamentary term poses significant challenges. The committee identified several questions and points of disagreement that require further clarification. Consequently, the discussion will continue next week, with lawmakers awaiting responses and reactions from the executive branch regarding proposed amendments. While the committee is working to finalize the bill before the April 2 deadline, the tight timeline makes full passage uncertain. Organizations like the Cyprus Confederation of Organizations of the Disabled (KYSOA) have stated that while the bill is not perfect, its passage is essential for providing responsible state support.