Insider
In relation to today's statements by the pensioners' organization of PEO, EKYSY-PEO, for the increase provided in the Social Insurance Legislation in the pensions provided by the Social Insurance Fund, the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Insurance notes the following:
According to the Social Security Legislation that has been in force since 2010, the annual increases in pensions are related to the average increase in the salaries of the employees as well as to the increase of the consumer price index. Based on these legal provisions, pensions have been increased from 2018 until today by 6.8% due to the positive growth trend that the country continues to follow and the consequent increase in employees' wages.
In addition to the above, based on the Government Policy to support vulnerable groups of the population, a number of measures and policies have been implemented, leading to a significant increase in the low-income allowance in 2016, 2019 and 2020, increasing the maximum monthly allowance from € 150 to € 369.
It is thus ensured that all beneficiaries of the low-income allowance will have a total income that exceeds the poverty line , ie more than € 710 per month for a person or € 1,210 for a couple.
In addition to:
All Low Retirees joined the Christmas Gift Scheme from 2017, receiving a double bonus for Christmas, with a minimum amount of Christmas Gift of € 100. Low-income retirees have been granted access to the EUSR and around 4,600 have become eligible for the Minimum Guaranteed Income. Low-income retirees have access to the social security services subsidy they need. Free public transport for all low-income retirees. All retirees enjoy the services of GESS , with full coverage of their medical needs for the first time since the founding of the Republic of Cyprus. The Granted Vacation Plan for Low-Retirees is implemented every year from 2017 in mountain resorts and resorts of the Tilliria Tower, based on which 100% of the cost for four-day vacations for each low-income retiree is subsidized. The income limits for the Easter Bonus have been increased .
Taking into account the above, it is really questionable the wish of EKYSY-PEO for a return to the pre-2012 state of affairs, ie before all these policies are implemented for the benefit of all retirees.
Issues concerning both pensioners and low-income pensioners are discussed in coordination with all organizations and social partners, and the Government and the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Security will continue to work in this context to improve the quality of life of all citizens.
