In order to support families with triplets and above, through a series of benefits and allowances, the Council of Ministers today approved the proposal submitted by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Ms Anastasia Anthousi, which adopts a Comprehensive Plan for the granting of benefits to families with triplets and above.
Recognizing that the acquisition of triplets and above multiplies the need to care for three or more infants at the same time in practical and financial terms, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare with the new integrated Plan aims to financially support families so that they can cope with the early needs of their children, while ensuring the required balance in the family environment.
Beneficiaries of the Plan are women who have or will have triplets or more, provided that the following conditions are met:
[*]The applicant has legal and continuous residence in the areas under the effective control of the Republic during the immediately preceding period of five years from the date of birth of the children. [*]At the time of payment of any benefit, children aged three or more are all living and have not attained the age of five years. [*]The claimant has not been approved as a recipient of corresponding benefits under any previous decisions.
Provided that the application is approved, the applicant shall receive the following benefits. [*]Possibility to apply for benefits in accordance with the Baby Dowry Scheme, including equipment and nappies, according to the needs of the family, up to a value of €1,500 per child. [*]Allocation of an amount of €400 per month to subsidise the purchase of services from an approved home carer or childminder from the day of birth until the completion of the children's first year, subject to the submission of an employment contract. If it is not possible for the children to attend a crèche during their 2nd year of age, it is possible to extend the concession of €400/month until the children are 24 months old. [*]Grant of an amount for the attendance of children in nursery/preschool up to the age of 4 years. The provision applies only to persons who do not become beneficiaries of the Tuition and Feeding Subsidy Scheme for Children up to 4 years of age or other equivalent scheme for the period they are in operation. [*]Payment of an additional total lump sum of €2,000 in cases where the mother is not a beneficiary of the Maternity Allowance under the Social Security Act. [*]In the case of civil servants (including temporary civil servants) and employees of semi-governmental organisations, grant of leave with full pay for a period of 12 months from the date of childbirth. If the beneficiary falls into this category, she may not receive the grant of €400/month for the employment of a home carer/childminder or the attendance of children at a nursery/preschool during the period of leave on full pay.
The Scheme takes effect from 1 January 2023 and eligible mothers will be able to apply at the Provincial Social Services Office of their Province of residence, presenting all the required certificates indicated in the application form.
(MCI)
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