Supporting Families in Cyprus: What Financial Assistance Can You Receive for Your Children?
In Cyprus, families may be entitled to different types of financial support for their children, depending on their situation. These benefits can provide important assistance during pregnancy, at birth, and throughout a child’s upbringing.
This guide is designed to help asylum seekers, recognised refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection better understand what support may be available to them.
Birth Grant: Support at the Start of Your Child’s Life
If either parent has been working and contributing to social insurance, families may be eligible for a Birth Grant.
This is a one-time payment of 1,000 euros (the amount may increase depending on the number of children). Applications must be submitted before the child turns one year old.
How to apply
You can apply:
- By submitting a form (for asylum seekers), or
- Through your CY Login account (for recognised refugees and subsidiary protection holders)
Required documents
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- IBAN (bank account details)
- ARC and confirmation letter OR residency card
Applications must be submitted to the Social Insurance Office. You can find the relevant form and CY Login link attached to the original resource.
Special Birth Grant for Unmarried Mothers
Single mothers who have not worked long enough to qualify for the Birth Grant may still receive support.
If you:
- Are an asylum seeker, recognised refugee, or beneficiary of subsidiary protection
- Are a single (unmarried) mother
- Have lived in Cyprus for at least one year
- Are not eligible for the Birth Grant
You may apply for the Special Birth Grant for Unmarried Mothers.
This is a one-time payment of approximately 573 euros, and applications must also be submitted before the child turns one year old.
Required documents
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- IBAN
- ARC and confirmation letter OR residency card
- Affidavit confirming unmarried status
- Proof of ineligibility for the Birth Grant (rejection from Social Insurance)
Applications are submitted in the same way as the Birth Grant, through a form or CY Login, and must be brought to the Social Insurance Office.
Child Benefit and Single Parent Child Benefit
Recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection may also receive annual financial support for their children.
- Child Benefit is available for families (couples)
- Single Parent Child Benefit is available for single parents
The amount received depends on:
- The number of children
- The family’s income
How to apply
You can apply:
- Through CY Login, or
- By submitting a paper form if you do not have access to the online system
If you do not have a CY Login, you will need to book an appointment at the Benefits and Allowances Service Office (the same office as EEE).
Required documents
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- IBAN
- Residency card (parent and child)
- School registration (if the child is of school age)
- Bank authorisation (for paper applications)
Additional documents for single mothers
- Certificate from the Mukhtar or the Court confirming single-parent status
- If the father provides financial support: a document from the Mukhtar stating the amount
Please note that applications for child benefit are only open during specific periods. Information about the 2026 application period will be shared in a separate article.