What is the Assistive Equipment Grant Scheme?
The Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Cyprus provides financial assistance for the purchase of approved assistive equipment, technical aids, and other helpful items for persons with disabilities. The purpose of this scheme is to support easier daily living, greater independence, improved mobility, better communication, and fuller participation in social and economic life.
The grant is generally up to 80% of the final cost of the approved item, without exceeding the maximum amount set for that item in the official catalogue. The official catalogue also shows whether a therapist recommendation is required for each item.
Who can apply
According to the official documents, this scheme is open to eligible persons with disabilities who fall within one of the following categories:
- citizens of the Republic of Cyprus,
- European Union citizens who have been legally residing in Cyprus for at least 12 consecutive months,
- recognized refugees,
- persons with subsidiary protection
The scheme covers serious disabilities of different types, including mobility, visual, hearing, intellectual, and mental disabilities, as reflected in the official catalogue.
What equipment may be funded & not funded
The official catalogue includes a wide range of approved technical aids and assistive equipment. Depending on the person’s disability and needs, this may include:
- bathroom and toilet aids,
- walking aids,
- lifting equipment,
- transfer aids,
- electric beds and mattresses,
- handrails and ramps,
- certain car adaptations,
- computer equipment,
- communication systems,
- visual support devices,
- and certain specialized sensory or support equipment.
Each approved item in the official catalogue has:
- a maximum grant amount,
- and an indication of whether a therapist recommendation is required.
This means the scheme does not simply fund any item requested. The item must either appear in the official catalogue or, in exceptional cases, be considered outside the catalogue under stricter conditions.
What is not covered
It is important to understand that not all medical or disability-related items are covered.
According to the official documents, the scheme does not cover items that are applied directly on the body or that fall under excluded categories, such as prosthetics, orthotics, oxygen-related items, diapers, and similar medical equipment.
The scheme also does not cover items already provided through other government schemes or laws.
Documents required for the application
The exact documents may vary depending on the case, but the official material shows that the main application file may include:
- the official application form,
- a copy of the applicant’s ID card or, where applicable, a birth certificate,
- a medical report from the treating doctor, when required,
- a therapist recommendation, where the official catalogue says it is required,
- and any additional supporting documents needed for the specific request, such as quotations, proof of residence, photographs, medical evidence, or driving license documents.
The application form also states that for EU citizens, proof of lawful residence in Cyprus may be required, and for recognized refugees or persons with subsidiary protection, immigration or asylum documentation may also be required.
The official material further indicates that in some cases, where the person has already applied before or is already receiving benefits from the Department, fewer documents may be required.
Do I need a therapist recommendation?
The Department’s official catalogue states clearly, item by item, whether a recommendation is required.
Where a therapist recommendation is needed, the official form asks the therapist to describe:
- the applicant’s disability and condition,
- the equipment requested,
- the purpose and necessity of the requested equipment,
- and, where there has been previous funding for the same item, the reason a new grant is needed.
The therapist’s recommendation is very important, because the Department relies heavily on the therapist’s description when assessing the request. If the therapist recommendation is incomplete, vague, or does not justify the requested item properly, delays may occur.
Do I need a doctor’s report?
A doctor’s report may be required, especially for first-time applicants or where there is no valid disability assessment already on file.
The official application form states that a recent original medical report from the treating doctor is required on the Department’s official form, unless the person has previously submitted an application for technical aids or is already receiving benefits from the Department. The catalogue also uses similar wording, referring to cases where there is no valid disability assessment finding already in force.
How the application process works
Step 1: Complete the application form
The applicant completes the official application form and lists the technical aids or equipment being requested. The form includes personal details, identification details, disability information, and the requested items.
If the applicant is a minor, has a guardian, has a property manager, or is unable to provide the information personally, the form also allows details of a parent, guardian, or alternative contact person to be included.
Step 2: Gather the required supporting documents
The applicant then attaches the documents required for the specific case. Depending on the type of item and the applicant’s situation, this may include identification documents, medical report, therapist recommendation, quotations, residence documents, photos, or other supporting material.
Step 3: Submit the application
The completed application and supporting documents are submitted to the Department or to the designated centers listed in the official application form. There are district centers that receive applications and forward them for examination, and that applicants should keep proof of submission.
Step 4: Wait for examination
Applications are examined in order of receipt and the waiting time is approximately 6 months. Because the scheme serves all districts, the volume of applications is high and review is not immediate.
Step 5: Receive the approval letter
Once the application has been examined, the Department sends an approval letter to the applicant if the request is approved. This letter explains that this letter includes the approved maximum grant amount and is valid for 6 months.
Step 6: Purchase the approved item
After approval, the applicant can purchase the approved item. The item may be purchased in Cyprus, abroad, or online, as long as the invoice is issued in the name of the beneficiary.
Step 7: Submit payment documents
After the purchase, the applicant sends the required documents for payment. These may include the original invoice, the delivery / receipt declaration, bank payment authorization, IBAN confirmation, and supplier payment authorization.
Step 8: Payment is made
Payment is then processed either to the applicant or directly to the supplier, depending on the case and the documents submitted.
Our Company’s Participation in the Scheme
Our company actively supports customers who wish to obtain approved assistive equipment under the Government Grant Scheme for Assistive Equipment in Cyprus. We offer products that are suitable for needs covered by the scheme and assist individuals and families in identifying equipment that may fall within the official framework of eligible technical aids and support items.
Products Aligned With Scheme Requirements
We place particular importance on offering products that correspond to the practical needs addressed by the scheme. Our aim is to help customers select suitable assistive equipment in line with the official requirements, supporting daily living, mobility, independence, comfort, and quality of life. Where applicable, we guide customers in understanding product specifications, documentation needs, and the importance of choosing equipment that matches the relevant application requirements.
Support for a Smooth and Proper Procedure
We are committed to supporting a smooth, clear, and well-organized procedure for every customer. Our team works carefully to help ensure that the process is handled in a professional manner, with attention to the documentation, product details, and practical steps involved. Our goal is to make the procedure easier to understand and easier to manage, while respecting the official requirements of the scheme at every stage.
Relevant Documents provided by the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Supplier Payment Authorization Alternative.docx
Bank Payment Authorization Form.doc
Assistive Equipment FAQ Guide.docx
Delivery Receipt Declaration Assistive Equipment.docx
Therapist Recommendation Form Assistive Equipment.doc
Assistive Equipment Grant Scheme Overview.doc
Medical Report Doctor Disability Assessment.doc
Assistive Equipment Grant Catalog Max Amounts.docx
Application Form Assistive Equipment Cyprus.doc
Official Website of the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities