Cross-Border Family Benefits When a Parent Works in Another EU State
Families where one parent works in another EU country while the children live in Greece (or the other way round) - the right to receive the higher family benefit of the two countries, with the difference paid as a supplement
The parent's country of employment pays the family benefits first; if the benefits of the children's country of residence are higher, the difference is paid (supplement)
Who can get it
Official evidence · Your Europe, «Οικογενειακές παροχές»: οικογενειακές παροχές για τα παιδιά όταν οι γονείς εργάζονται ή ζουν σε διαφορετικές χώρες της ΕΕ· τα όρια ηλικίας ορίζει η εθνική νομοθεσία · Checked: 2026-09-30
Official evidence · Κανονισμός (ΕΚ) 883/2004 Τίτλος III Κεφ.8 & Κανονισμός (ΕΚ) 987/2009 · Checked: 2026-09-26
Official evidence · Your Europe, «Οικογενειακές παροχές»: η χώρα με την προτεραιότητα πληρώνει την παροχή της και η άλλη χώρα μπορεί να καταβάλει τη διαφορά, αν η δική της παροχή είναι υψηλότερη · Checked: 2026-09-30
Based on official sources. For the latest criteria, contact the relevant authority.
How to apply
The steps to apply yourself. Free: you don’t need to pay anyone.
Required Documents
Usually the details gov.gr already holds about you are enough.
Step by step
- 1
Sign in to gov.gr with your TAXISnet codes
You sign in ONLY through the official government page. Never enter your codes anywhere else.
- 2
Open the application service
Go to the official pageAuthority: ΟΠΕΚΑ
- 3
Fill in and submit the application
Enter your details, upload anything requested and submit. Keep the protocol number.
- 4
Track your application
Progress and the final decision appear in your account on the authority / gov.gr.
Indicative guide — the application and final decision are made by the competent authority.
Indicative results — not an official assessment.
The eligibility check, browsing and the full guide are free.
Already applied? Tell us how it went.
What it is
Families where one parent works in another EU country while the children live in Greece (or the other way round) - the right to receive the higher family benefit of the two countries, with the difference paid as a supplement. Application period: open all year.
Lifecycle*
ActivePermanent/ongoing benefit
No fixed end date is currently recorded.
*Cycles, deadlines, and availability may change regularly. Always confirm with the official source before applying.
Benefit details
- Provider
- ΟΠΕΚΑ
- Category
- Family & Children
- Status
- Active
- Type of benefit
- Information
Details last verified: 25/09/2026