In connection with today's statements on behalf of the organisation of PEO pensioners, EKYSY-PEO, regarding the increase in pensions provided by the Social Insurance Fund as foreseen by the Social Insurance Law, the following is noted:
Based on the Social Security Law implemented since 2010, the annual increases in pensions are linked to the average increase in workers' wages as well as to the increase in the consumer price index. Based on these legislative provisions, pensions have increased by 6.8% since 2018 to date due to the positive growth path that the country continues to follow and the resulting increase in workers' wages.
In addition to the above, based on the Government's policy to support vulnerable groups of the population, a number of measures and policies have been implemented, most notably the significant increase in the low pensioners' allowance in 2016, 2019 and 2020, increasing the maximum monthly allowance from €150 to €369.
This has ensured that all recipients of the low pensioner's allowance will have total incomes above the poverty line, i.e. above €710 per month for a single person or €1,210 for a couple.
In addition. [*]Low pensioners have been given access to the EHIC and around 4,600 have become beneficiaries of the Minimum Guaranteed Income. [*]Low pensioners have gained access to subsidies for social care services that they need. [*]Free public transport[/B] was granted to all low pensioners. [*]All pensioners enjoy the services of the General Health Insurance, with full coverage of their medical needs for the first time since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. [*]Every year since 2017, the Subsidized Holiday Scheme for Low-Income Pensioners in mountain resorts and resorts of the Tower of Tilliria is implemented, under which 100% of the cost of a four-day holiday is subsidized for each low-income pensioner. [*]The income limits for the Easter Allowance have been increased. [/LIST]
In view of the above, it is truly surprising that the ESY-PEO wishes for a return to the pre-2012 state of affairs, i.e. before all these policies were implemented for the benefit of all pensioners.
The issues concerning both pensioners and low pensioners are being discussed in a coordinated manner with all organisations and social partners and the Government and the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance will continue their work in this context to improve the quality of life of all citizens.
(PM/EC/SX)
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