Total social protection expenditure in Cyprus amounted to 19.2% of GDP in 2023, compared with 20.6% in 2022, corresponding to €6,232.2 million in 2023, up from €6,116.4 million in 2022.

According to the results of the Social Protection Survey, which is based on the rules of the European System of Integrated Social Protection Statistics (ESSPROS), the main functions are old age and sickness/health care. Together, these accounted for 76.3% of total social benefits in 2023, compared with 76.1% in 2022.

Within old-age benefits—which include both cash benefits (namely periodic old-age pensions, periodic cash allowances, and lump-sum payments) and benefits in kind (such as housing, assistance with daily activities, and other services)—the largest share is taken up by periodic pensions. These reached €2,109.6 million, accounting for 83.5% of total old-age benefits.

According to the Statistical Service, €1,986.3 million of the periodic pensions paid in 2023 were granted to beneficiaries without income-based criteria.