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Benefits for mountain dwellers will increase to €310 for the basic benefit.
Benefits for mountain dwellers will be higher. The government has approved an increase in benefits for 2026: the basic amount will be 225 to 310 euros, depending on the altitude of the town. Additional support for household members will also increase.
The change will affect approximately 10.5 thousand households and 24 thousand peopleEligible residents who submitted applications in the previously closed application period will receive the increased benefit automatically. They do not need to amend their documents or reapply for assistance.
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How much will the allowances be for mountain dwellers?
The Council of Ministers decided to increase aid on September 30. A day later, the Ministry of Interior presented the new rates.
The basic benefit will increase by 50 euros in each of the three height categoriesThe highest amount is allocated to towns located above 1,000 meters above sea level.
BENEFITS FOR 2026
New aid rates
| Height of the town | Previous amount | New amount |
|---|---|---|
| 600–800 m above sea level | 175 euro | 225 euro |
| 801–1000 m above sea level | 225 euro | 275 euro |
| Above 1000 m above sea level | 260 euro | 310 euro |
The amounts apply to the annual basic benefit. Additional support for household members increases from €165 to €200.
The increase also includes an additional amount provided under the scheme for household members – both retirees and non-retirees. Instead of 165 euros it will be 200 euros, which is 35 euros more.
The final amount of aid for a specific household will depend on the rules for calculating the benefit and its composition. Therefore, the €310 amount is not the maximum amount an entire family can receive.
There is no need to submit another application
Recruitment has ended July 10, 2026The Ministry emphasizes that the increase does not mean its reopening — new applications will not be accepted.
People who submitted their documents on time and meet the program's requirements do not need to take any additional action. Officials will consider the new rates when calculating benefits.
There's no need to revisit your local council or submit a revised application just because lower amounts were available during the application process. However, submitting an application does not replace an assessment of your eligibility for assistance.
A larger budget to support mountain towns
After the increase, the program budget will increase from approximately 9 million to 10.4 million eurosIncreasing allowances is part of efforts to mitigate the effects of rising prices.
The Ministry also points to the broader goal of the program: improving living conditions outside cities and creating opportunities for families to stay in mountain communities.
This annual support for permanent residents who meet the program's conditionsIt is not a subsidy for home purchase or a renovation grant. Housing programs for mountainous and remote areas have separate rules and applications.
For current beneficiaries, the most important information is simple: the increase already applies to the benefit for 2026, and its inclusion does not require another application.
Sources: Ministry of Interior, Politis, Cyprus Mail.
