Cabinet approves Christmas bonuses for certain groups

Cabinet approved on Friday an additional Christmas bonus for certain groups who receive financial support from the social welfare services.

According to Deputy Government Spokesman Panayiotis Sentonas, the total expenditure will amount to €17,538,000 this year, compared with €16,347,000 in 2019.

The bonus will be given to recipients of the guaranteed minimum income (GMI) and of public assistance, corresponding to 80 per cent of the total amount of their basic needs for December.

Beneficiaries of the low-income pensioner assistance scheme, who do not receive GMI or other public assistance will be granted a bonus equal to the amount of low-income pension, with a minimum of €100.

Greek-Cypriots who live in the north will receive a bonus equal to the amount of the enclaved benefit of December, while their children who live and attend school in the north will receive the amount equal to the benefit of the same month.

Single mothers with more than three children who receive the relevant benefit will receive an additional €100 each.

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