What to Do When Your EEE Is Rejected

Applies to: Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI), other welfare benefits. For asylum rejections, see our asylum guide.

A rejection letter is not the end. But deadlines are strict, so act fast.

Step 1: Read the letter carefully. Find (a) the reason for rejection, (b) the date you received it, and (c) any deadline or appeal route it mentions. Keep the envelope and take a photo of the letter.

Step 2: Understand the likely reason. For GMI, applications are commonly rejected because income is above the limit, the applicant has bank deposits, or they did not attend jobs the ministry sent them to. If the reason is a missing document, you may simply be able to supply it.

Step 3: Ask for your file. Write to the service that rejected you (for GMI, the Welfare Benefits Administration Service, wbas.dmsw.gov.cy) and ask for the reasons and the documents they relied on. Keep a copy of every letter you send.

Step 4: File an objection or request for review. Follow the route stated in your letter. Submit it in writing, attach any new proof (payslips, bank statements, rental contract), and keep proof of delivery. (To verify: the exact internal objection route and its deadline for GMI. Always follow what your letter says.)

Step 5: Go to court if needed. For decisions of the Migration Department, the main route is a recourse to the Administrative Court within 75 days of receiving the rejection. This normally requires a lawyer, so ask early about free legal advice.

Step 6: Complain about delays. Appeals to welfare services can be very slow. The Ombudswoman has reported that one appeal remained pending for more than three years, with complaints covering GMI and other benefits. See our guide on complaining to the Ombudsman.

Common mistakes

• Waiting “to see what happens” while the deadline runs out
• Not keeping copies or proof of delivery
• Reapplying without fixing the reason for rejection

Need help? Come to the Caritas Migrant Center and bring your rejection letter.