Childcare expansion for working families
Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Marilena Evangelou, announced the creation and expansion of 30 childcare centers with subsidized fees and afternoon hours to help reconcile professional and family life. The Deputy Ministry has received 366,000 calls within a 10-month period since the launch of the 1450 helpline. The waiting time for social welfare applications has been reduced by 74%, now taking 90 days compared to 12-24 months previously. Verification processes have been increased to detect system fraud, resulting in 364 terminations and an annual saving of €3.1 million. The Deputy Ministry is also focusing on digitization and simplification of procedures and services, including an online application for the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) and a citizen helpline. Additionally, the Ministry is expanding subsidy plans for childcare and meals for children up to 4.5 years old, with a cost of €16 million per year. A 5% increase in Child Allowance has also been implemented, benefiting approximately 60,000 families.