Substantial Progress in Social Welfare and Childcare Services
The Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, under the guidance of Marilena Evangelou, has made significant strides in enhancing social welfare services and childcare provisions. During a press conference commemorating one year of Christodoulides’ leadership, Evangelou detailed the creation and expansion of 30 childcare centers. These centers are designed to offer subsidized fees and afternoon hours, thereby facilitating a balance between professional and family life for many citizens.
Since the inception of the 1450 helpline, a staggering 366,000 calls have been logged within just ten months, indicating a high demand for social welfare services. Evangelou emphasized the Deputy Ministry’s commitment to examining social welfare applications within 60 days and expanding the “neighbourhood social worker” program across the nation.
An impressive reduction in waiting times for applications has been achieved, with a 74% decrease from the previous 12 to 24 months to just 90 days. This is part of the broader initiative to upgrade and modernize the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) system. The Deputy Ministry has also intensified verification processes to combat system fraud, resulting in substantial annual savings.
The digitization and simplification of procedures have been a focal point for Evangelou’s team. She highlighted the successful operation of the online application for GMI, the swift response time of the 1450 helpline, and the anticipation of an interactive application set to launch in 2024. This application will feature live chat capabilities, further enhancing accessibility for beneficiaries of social benefits.
Evangelou proudly noted the active role of the Deputy Ministry in establishing policies that support families and children. The launch of new childcare centers under the Recovery and Resilience Plan is a testament to this commitment. With agreements already in place with two municipalities, these centers will provide much-needed services during after-school hours.
In addition to these developments, there is an expansion of subsidy plans for tuition and meals for young children, with a significant budget allocated annually. Furthermore, a new subsidy plan is in the works. The Deputy Minister also announced a 5% increase in the Child Allowance, which will benefit around 60,000 families and include students from large families as part of the Organisation of Large Families’ request.
The advancements in digitization of procedures and social welfare reforms reflect a concerted effort by the Deputy Ministry to address the evolving needs of families, streamline services, and ensure that social support systems are both efficient and effective.
