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Cyprus Pensioners' Union Calls for Restoration of Pre-Crisis Easter and Motherhood Allowance Levels

Published February 27, 2026, 14:09
Cyprus Pensioners' Union Calls for Restoration of Pre-Crisis Easter and Motherhood Allowance Levels

The Cyprus Pensioners' Union (ECYSU) is calling for the restoration of income criteria and the amount of the Easter Allowance, as well as the Motherhood Allowance, to the levels that existed before the economic crisis. ECYSU argues that the current income limits are overly restrictive, excluding many low-income pensioners from the Easter Allowance. Comparative data show a significant decrease in the number of beneficiaries of the allowance in recent years. The organization proposes the abolition of VAT on basic goods, such as fuel and EAC bills, as a relief measure for pensioners. In addition, it requests a rescheduling of a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare to discuss these issues and other pending matters. In its letter to the Deputy Minister, ECYSU points out that despite repeated efforts and the positions of the Parliament, the government continues to apply restrictive income criteria. The organization emphasizes that the vast majority of low-income pensioners are in need of substantial support. ECYSU specifically cites data on the reduction of income limits and the amount of the allowance compared to the pre-crisis period, as well as the increase in the cost of living. It also points out that government revenue from taxation has increased, while the abolition of a fee on companies created a fiscal cost that could have been used to support pensioners.