Seafarers' Family Allowance (ELOEN)

The Special Account for Seafarers' Family Allowances (E.L.O.E.N.) is a public-law legal entity (Law 1085/1980, Presidential Decree 213/1983) that operates through the Seafarers' Home (Estia Naftikon) and pays a family allowance to Greek seafarers once a year. Eligible are seafarers with a seaman's book, insured with N.A.T. (Seamen's Pension Fund), who were insured for at least two months in the previous year and have children (from marriage, legitimation, recognition or adoption) up to 18 years old, or up to 24 if they attend a public or state-supervised school for at least two months in the year without being paid for attending; for a child unable to do any work there is no age limit. The children must be unmarried for at least two months in the year. The amount is a rate per number of children multiplied by the days of sea service in the previous year, minus tax of 15% for officers or 10% for lower-ranked crew; it is increased by 75% for a widowed seafarer or one who was doing military service for at least two months in the year. If both parents are seafarers, both receive the allowance; in case of separation or divorce it is paid to the parent who has custody. The 2025 allowance is paid into a bank account from 30/03/2026, with the same rates as last year. The supporting documents are submitted by post only, within the year after the sea service; the right lapses after three years.