Material reception conditions for asylum seekers in Cyprus include essential provisions aimed at supporting their basic needs and ensuring dignity during the asylum process. These conditions cover:

1. Accommodation: Includes places in reception centers or housing support arrangements in the community.
2. Food and Clothing: Provided in kind or via vouchers, depending on availability and feasibility.
3. Daily Allowance: Financial aid for minor expenses.

Application Process: After exiting the First Reception Center, asylum seekers can apply to the Social Welfare Services for financial allowances. These are calculated to cover essential living costs based on family composition and needs.

Changes Since October 2020:

• Food, Clothing, and Utilities: Allowances for these are now provided via cheques mailed to the recipient's registered address, instead of vouchers.
• Rent Allowance: Paid directly to landlords, ensuring clarity and security for both tenants and property owners.

The detailed breakdown of the amounts granted to asylum seekers are as follows:

To facilitate the process of opening a bank account for asylum seekers, the Social Welfare Services issues a confirmation letter. This letter certifies that the applicant is a recipient of material reception conditions, serving as official documentation required by banks to initiate the account-opening process.

Additionally, the Asylum Service can provide a separate confirmation verifying the applicant's residence status, which may be necessary for further banking formalities or other administrative purposes.

The Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) in Cyprus is a social benefit designed to ensure a basic standard of living for eligible individuals and families. The eligibility criteria and application process for third-country nationals, including those granted international protection, are as follows:

• Eligibility criteria

• A third-country national with long-term resident status under the Aliens and Immigration Law.
• A third-country national with legal status under the Refugees Act, excluding asylum seekers.
• A person recognized as a victim of trafficking and exploitation under relevant legislation.

Residency:

• Applicants must have lawfully and habitually resided in Cyprus for the five years immediately preceding the application date.
• Exceptions to the five-year rule apply to:
• Beneficiaries under the Refugees Act.
• Victims of trafficking and exploitation.
• Beneficiaries must reside lawfully in Cyprus while receiving MGI.

Income Assessment:

• The total income of the family unit must be lower than the assessed total needs, determined based on MGI provisions.

Family Unit Applications:

• If no other member of the applicant’s family unit has applied for or is receiving MGI, the applicant can proceed independently.

Application Process

• Applicants submit their request for MGI through the Social Welfare Services
• Eligibility is reviewed based on documentation proving legal status, residency, and income.

The GMI  is set at €261 (in cash) per month for one person. The foreseen monthly rent allowance for Beneficiaries of International Protection when it comes to a single person or a couple varies between €146 and €218 without any further adjustment. Non-related persons sharing a residence are considered as a household for purposes of calculating rent allowances, and they are also entitled to the same total amounts per residence.

Once you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection, and you are registered as unemployed, you can apply for Guaranteed Minimum Income. To qualify, you must be registered as unemployed with your district Labour Office, or be able to prove that you are medically unable to work.

The GMI allowance provides for a basic income to the applicant of EUR480 per month. In addition to this amount, there is an allowance for spouses (EUR240) and for children under age 14 (EUR144) or for children over age 14 and up to age 28 (240). The rental allowance is provided in addition to the basic income and is calculated using specific criteria and formulas. The amount depends on factors such as household composition and location.

If you are legally employed and registered with the Social Insurance, but earning less than the amount you and your family would be entitled to receive under the GMI scheme, you can apply for supplementary GMI. The GMI officers will adjust the benefit based on your current income, to ensure you and your family receive the full amount you're entitled to.

If you start earning a salary after being approved for GMI but find that your income is still lower than the total amount you are receiving from GMI, you will remain eligible to continue receiving the GMI benefits. The GMI officers will recalculate your benefits based on your earnings and your social insurance contributions.

Once you begin working, you are required to register with the Social Insurance Office, and inform the GMI officers of your employment. Your GMI will be adjusted accordingly, and you'll continue receiving the difference between your salary and the total amount you were entitled to under GMI, as long as your earnings remain below the threshold. This ensures that your family’s basic income is maintained during your transition into employment.

In order to apply for the GMI, you will need to fill out the orange application form, which is available from the dedicated GMI office located at Themistokli Dervi 46 in Nicosia. Click here to download the application form for Guaranteed Minimum Income.

Your completed application form must be accompanied by copies of the following documents:

• Your Aliens Registration Card
• Your Residence Permit, or the receipt showing you applied for the residence permit
• Your IBAN details from your bank
• Unemployment registration documents from the Labour Office
• Your Rental Agreement, if you are living in rented accommodation

When filling out your form, be sure to include details of all unmarried children under the age of 28, whether or not they are living under the same roof with you. Those of your children who are either married, or over the age of 28 will have to fill out their own application for GMI.

If you are living outside of Nicosia, you can submit your GMI application packet to any Citizen’s Advice Centre in your district, or at the Citizen’s Advice Centre desk at a post office near you. If you are in Nicosia, it is recommended that you submit your GMI application packet to the GMI office located at Themistokli Dervi 46, in the centre of Nicosia.

It can take up to 5-6 months for GMI applications to be evaluated and approved. If you are in urgent need of financial assistance during this waiting period, you can apply for emergency assistance at your local district Welfare Office. his assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and a social worker will determine the amount of financial aid you are entitled to receive.

If any of the details you provided in your GMI application change after submission, such as your address or the number of people in your household, it is important to inform the GMI office immediately. This ensures that your application remains accurate, and any adjustments can be made to your benefit entitlement. Keeping the GMI office updated is crucial for maintaining eligibility and ensuring timely processing.