In 2023, Cyprus’s social protection expenditure was 19.2% of GDP, totaling €6,232.2 million, with major functions in old age and healthcare. The survey aligns with ESSPROS principles and covers various schemes and benefits.
According to the Social Protection Survey for 2023, Cyprus’s social protection expenditure amounted to 19.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), totaling €6,232.2 million. This represents a decrease from 20.6% in 2022, which was €6,116.4 million.
The most significant functions were old age and sickness/healthcare, accounting for 76.3% of social protection benefits in 2023. Old age benefits, primarily periodic pensions, amounted to €2,109.6 million, with €1,986.3 million granted as non-means tested benefits.
In 2023, social benefits increased for old age (€2,525.3 million), sickness/healthcare (€2,126.0 million), survivors (€378.3 million), family (€283.2 million), disability (€193.2 million), and social exclusion (€234.9 million). Benefits for unemployment (€246.3 million) and housing (€108.4 million) decreased compared to 2022.
Most benefits (89.6%) were non-means tested, totaling €5,461.1 million, with cash benefits constituting €3,828.4 million. Periodic cash benefits represented 80.7% of cash benefits, with lump sums making up 19.3%.
The largest social protection schemes were the Social Insurance Scheme (€1,950.1 million, 31.3%), the General Healthcare System (€1,459.1 million, 23.4%), and Other Governmental Social Protection (€806.0 million, 12.9%).
This survey, based on ESSPROS principles, covers all relevant organizations, services, and insurance funds in Cyprus, providing data for policy analysis and comparison with European standards. For further information, visit the CYSTAT portal or contact the designated officials.
