Benefit news
The latest announcements on benefits, payments and applications. We write every item in our own words and show where it comes from.
What the labels mean
- Official
- An official source exists: the Government Gazette, Diavgeia, a ministry, OPEKA, a region or a municipality.
- Announced, not yet law
- A competent official said it in public, but there is no law or decision yet. It may change.
- According to a report by a news outlet
- A news outlet reported it under a byline. It is not confirmed. If it is not confirmed within 30 days, we mark it.
Do not act before the official announcement. We never ask for data or payment.
Latest news
- Official
November 2026 pension advances: paid on 30 October
e-EFKA pays the November pension advances under Law 4778/2021 to 7,000 people. The advance is paid to people insured with e-EFKA who have applied for an old-age, disability or survivor's pension, from the month after they applied until the provisional or final pension decision is issued. It is later set off against the pension.
Payment day: 30 October 2026
- Official
Συντάξεις Νοεμβρίου 2026: στις 26 Οκτωβρίου μη μισθωτοί, νέοι συνταξιούχοι και επικουρικές ιδιωτικού τομέα
Ο e-ΕΦΚΑ πληρώνει τις συντάξεις Νοεμβρίου: τις κύριες συντάξεις των πρώην ταμείων μη μισθωτών (ΟΑΕΕ, ΟΓΑ, ΕΤΑΑ), τις κύριες συντάξεις όσων συνταξιοδοτήθηκαν από 1/1/2017 και μετά, μισθωτών και μη μισθωτών, και όλες τις επικουρικές συντάξεις του ιδιωτικού τομέα.
Payment day: 26 October 2026
- Official
Συντάξεις Νοεμβρίου 2026: στις 29 Οκτωβρίου μισθωτοί (πρώην ΙΚΑ-ΕΤΑΜ, τράπεζες, ΟΤΕ, ΔΕΗ κ.ά.) και Δημόσιο
Ο e-ΕΦΚΑ πληρώνει τις συντάξεις Νοεμβρίου: τις κύριες συντάξεις των πρώην ταμείων μισθωτών (ΙΚΑ-ΕΤΑΜ, τραπεζών, ΟΤΕ, ΔΕΗ, ΝΑΤ, ΕΤΑΤ, ΕΤΑΠ-ΜΜΕ κ.ά.) και τις κύριες και επικουρικές συντάξεις του Δημοσίου.
Payment day: 29 October 2026
- Official
Home Renovation: the implementation guide is out
On 20/10/2026 the Ministries of National Economy and Finance and of Social Cohesion and Family published the implementation guide of the ESPA «Home Renovation» action: a 70% to 95% grant, up to €36,000 for the works and up to €2,500 for support services. Publishing the guide does not mean that funding applications have opened; the dates will be announced.
Date: 20 October 2026
- Official
Chania: the €19 student city-bus pass now also covers HMU students
On 19/10/2026 the Chania City Council approved a new 12-month contract with the city-bus operator for 6,000 subsidised monthly unlimited passes. Active students of the Technical University of Crete and, for the first time, of HMU in Chania pay €19 instead of €45. The Municipality of Chania and the Region of Crete cover the €26. According to Astiko KTEL Chania, the reduced price applies from 1 November 2026.
Date: 19 October 2026
- Official
DEYA Doxatou: renew the social water tariff by the end of February 2027
People with a reduction or exemption from DEYA Doxatou water and sewerage charges file updated documents every year by the end of February, otherwise the social tariff stops. The next deadline is the end of February 2027. The criteria for the 2027 bills have not been announced yet.
Date: 28 February 2027
- Official
Municipality of Corinth: €1,000 for each new child in a low-income family
The Municipality of Corinth gives a one-off €1,000 for each child born into a family with financial hardship, under City Council decision 477/2024. The programme is running: on 6/10/2026 the City Council approved new 2026 applications, as it had in April and July.
Date: 6 October 2026
- Official
New ESPA action: 50% grant for staff training in STEP and defence technologies
On 13/10/2026 the Ministry of National Economy and Finance launched the «Competitiveness» programme action for in-company training of employees in STEP strategic technologies and defence and security, with a EUR 20 million budget. It is for businesses that employed 100 or more people in the last full calendar year. The grant is 50% of eligible training costs, EUR 75,000 to 600,000 per application. Applications go through ΟΠΣΚΕ from 2/11/2026 to 31/12/2026, first come, first served.
Date: 13 October 2026
- Announced, not yet law
€500 allowance for public servants: in consultation
A Ministry of National Economy and Finance bill in public consultation until 1/11/2026; it has not been passed. Article 25 provides a Christmas allowance «of five hundred (500) euros», «paid in a separate payroll run, only on 16 December each year» to public-sector staff. Under the bill, «the allowance is granted from the year 2027».
Date: 18 October 2026
Who announced it: Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis (bill on opengov.gr)
- Official
Rent refund: paid on 30 November
The rent refund for 2025 rents is paid without an application into the IBAN account registered with AADE. On the same day, teachers, doctors and nurses who rent a home outside Attica and Thessaloniki (the Attica islands are covered) may also receive a second rent refund. The refund is tax-free and cannot be seized.
Payment day: 30 November 2026
Source:Greek Government: details of the 90th Thessaloniki Fair measures (payment dates)(opens in a new tab)Law 5217/2025 (Government Gazette A 120/2025), article 70(opens in a new tab)Joint Ministerial Decision 136645 EX 2026 (Government Gazette B 5308/27.08.2026), second rent (article 70A of Law 5217/2025)(opens in a new tab)
Concerns:Rent RefundTwo Months' Rent Refund for Teachers, Doctors and Nurses Serving in the Regions (Article 70A)
- Announced, not yet law
New Exoikonomo: what was announced and what is not yet set
The government announced a «New Exoikonomo Programme for 62,000 homes, with 1.2 billion euros from the Social Climate Fund». The programme's joint ministerial decision and guide have not been issued, so the criteria, the amounts per home and the date applications open are not yet known.
Date: 7 September 2026
Who announced it: The Greek government, in its details of the economic measures of the 90th Thessaloniki Fair (government.gov.gr)
- Announced, not yet law
My Home 3: the terms the government has announced
The new «My Home III» programme of low-interest first-home mortgages will run through the Hellenic Development Bank with «a total of 2 billion euros», according to the government, which says it «is expected to start in early 2027». The joint ministerial decision with the final terms has not been issued.
Who announced it: The Greek government, in its details of the economic measures of the 90th Thessaloniki Fair (government.gov.gr)
Upcoming benefits
- Upcoming
Financial Support Programme for Merchant Marine Academy (AEN) Students
One-off financial support per academic year (€3,400 for 2023-2024) for students of the Merchant Marine Academies who passed at least half of the year's courses, with a family income of up to €30,000 (+€3,000 for each dependent child beyond the first) and a personal income of up to €18,000. The application is submitted to the AEN where you study.
- Upcoming
ENFIA Exemption for the Main Residence in Small Settlements (from 2027)
From 2027, a full ENFIA exemption for the main residence in a settlement of up to 1,500 inhabitants (up to 1,700 in the Western Macedonia Region, the Evros regional unit and the municipalities of Central Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and Epirus that border the country's frontier), except settlements of the Attica Region (the Islands regional unit is included), provided the home is worth no more than €400,000, regardless of income.
- Upcoming
"Piggy Bank for the New Generation": child savings account with state matching
Proposed in a bill in public consultation until 1/11/2026; it has not been passed. Parents will be able to open an account for their child before the child turns two; the State will deposit as much as the parent does, up to EUR 1,200 a year. The money stays locked until the child turns 18. Expected to start in January 2027.
- Upcoming
Compensation for Coastal Fishers for Damage Caused by Protected Marine Species (PALYTH 2021-2027)
On 14/10/2026 the Ministry of Rural Development announced a new €15 million action for damage to coastal fishers' nets caused by protected marine species (dolphins, seals, sea turtles). The call has not been issued yet; the previous one (damage in 2022–2024) closed on 15.12.2024.
- Upcoming
Free Electronic State Language Certificate (e-KPG) for Third-Year Lower-Secondary Pupils
From the 2026-2027 school year, third-year lower-secondary (Γ΄ Γυμνασίου) pupils will be able to sit free electronic exams for the State Language Certificate in English, French, German or Italian. A pilot comes first at the end of 2026, then a wider roll-out in 2027.
- Upcoming
Free Dental Check-ups for Children Aged 5-14 (from 2027) and the Return of Dentist Pass
Announced at the Thessaloniki Fair (6/9/2026): free dental check-ups for almost 300,000 children aged 5 to 14 from 2027, and the return of Dentist Pass. Not yet legislated; terms, amount and dates have not been published.
- Upcoming
Special employment programme for 200 unemployed people in the Social Welfare Centres
200 full-time jobs for 12 months in the Social Welfare Centres, for people registered as unemployed with DYPA. Not open yet: DYPA will publish a public call.
- Upcoming
Support for Livestock Farmers for the Higher Cost of Animal Feed 2026
The Ministry of Rural Development announced €53,773,000 of support for livestock farmers' feed costs across the country. Payment was announced for October 2026; as of 24/10/2026 the joint ministerial decision with the terms has not been published.
- Upcoming
Exoikonomo 2026 (new home energy-efficiency subsidy)
Announced; the joint ministerial decision and the guide have not been issued. A new Exoikonomo to upgrade 62,000 homes of energy-vulnerable households, owners and tenants, with €1.2 billion from the Social Climate Fund. A call is planned for 2027.
- Upcoming
€500 Christmas Allowance for Public-Sector Staff (from 2027)
Proposed in a bill in public consultation until 1/11/2026; it has not been passed. The bill provides an annual Christmas allowance for public-sector staff, first paid on 16 December 2027.
- Upcoming
100% Subsidy for Electric Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters and Hand Bikes (Persons with Disabilities)
Announced; the terms have not been published. A 100% subsidy for electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and hand bikes for 13,200 persons with disabilities, from the Social Climate Fund.
- Upcoming
Fishing Fuel Subsidy 2026 for Professional Fishers (April–October)
A subsidy on the fuel used by professional fishing vessels in April–October 2026, as de minimis aid: 32 cents a litre for April and May, 24 cents for June to August and 40 cents for September and October. The payment procedure has not been announced yet.
- Upcoming
Sewage Network Connection Subsidy (ESPA 2021-2027 Cohesion Fund)
You hold a right in rem (full ownership/usufruct/bare ownership) in the building.
- Upcoming
European Disability Card & new European Parking Card (EU-wide mutual recognition, upcoming)
European initiative for the mutual recognition of disability status and of the parking card across the EU; it will replace/complement national cards.
- Upcoming
230-hour training and certification for 1,000 low-qualified unemployed people in Central Macedonia (SBE Institute)
Counselling, 230 hours of mostly online training and certification in industry and manufacturing occupations for 1,000 low-qualified unemployed people who live in Central Macedonia, with a training allowance. Not open yet: the call for participants is expected.
- Upcoming
Paid training, work placement and certification (€5/hour) for unemployed people in Western Greece (Region of Western Greece)
Counselling, training, work placement and certification for 1,167 unemployed people in the Region of Western Greece (Achaia, Aetolia-Acarnania, Ilia), with a training allowance of €5 an hour. Not open yet: the operation starts on 1/11/2026 and the call for participants is expected.
- Upcoming
Settlement and Residence Incentive for the Municipality of Megisti (Kastellorizo): €5,000 a Year
Proposed in a bill in public consultation until 1/11/2026; it has not been passed. A yearly payment of €5,000 per household, plus €1,000 for each minor dependant, for people who live permanently in, or move their main home to, the Municipality of Megisti (Kastellorizo). OPEKA would pay it on application.
- Upcoming
20% fee reduction for relatives studying at the Hellenic Open University
Spouses, parents with unmarried children and unmarried siblings who study at the same time in a programme run solely by the Hellenic Open University get a 20% reduction in the academic year's fees.
- Upcoming
Post-Secondary Apprenticeship Year for Vocational Upper-Secondary (EPAL) Graduates
An optional year of paid apprenticeship for EPAL graduates: a workshop course at the school and learning at a workplace, paid 95% of the unskilled worker's daily wage, with insurance cover.
- Upcoming
Zero Income Tax for Professional Farmers on Income up to EUR 20,000
Zero income tax for professional farmers on farming profits up to EUR 20,000; farmers with higher income will also pay less. Proposed in a bill in public consultation until 1/11/2026; it has not been passed. It would apply to income from tax year 2026.
- Upcoming
New Subsidy Programmes for Heat Pumps and Solar Water Heaters (2027)
Announced; the terms and the call have not been published. The government announced a new programme to buy heat pumps and solar water heaters for 100,000 beneficiaries during 2027, and a second heating-replacement programme with €930 million from the Social Climate Fund.
- Upcoming
Young Farmers Support
One-off support of €30,000-€42,500 for young farmers setting up.
- Upcoming
Pilot Student Public-Transport Pass Subsidy in Patras and Messolonghi (Region of Western Greece, 2026-2029)
The Region of Western Greece will subsidise the monthly student pass on public transport in Patras and Messolonghi, on top of the existing student discount, for active students of the University of Patras and the University of the Peloponnese. Students will pay €12.00 to €20.00 a month; the start date has not been announced.
- Upcoming
DYPA pilot work-experience programme in livestock farming for 250 unemployed people (Eastern Macedonia and Thrace)
Unemployed people over 18, registered with DYPA in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, who have completed the 50-hour biosecurity training for livestock farms, are placed for 6 months with livestock businesses and paid €34 a day. The local DYPA office (KPA2) refers them; they do not apply themselves.
- Upcoming
Pre-employment work experience for unemployed young people aged 18–30 in the Just Transition areas (Western Macedonia, Megalopoli, small islands)
A full-time paid work placement for 3,000 unemployed people aged 18–30 who live in Western Macedonia, Megalopoli or small islands with fewer than 3,100 residents.
- Upcoming
My Home III — New Subsidised Mortgage Programme for a First Home
A new €2 billion programme of low-interest first-home mortgages through the Hellenic Development Bank: loans of up to €230,000 were announced, for homes worth up to €300,000 and ages up to 55. It is expected to start in early 2027; the joint ministerial decision with the terms has not been issued.
- Upcoming
IKY Scholarships for Foreign Undergraduate Students in Greek-taught Programmes of Greek Universities (ESPA, EKP46, Greek: ΕΚΠ46)
Pilot scholarship programme for about 130 foreign undergraduate students who live permanently abroad and study in Greek-taught programmes of Greek universities, for the whole normal length of their studies. Terms and the application will be set by a joint ministerial decision and an IKY call.
- Upcoming
Achaia Pass 2026–2027
A €150 digital card for tourism, food and drink and transport in the areas of Achaia hit by the summer 2025 wildfires. The terms and the application procedure have not been announced yet.
- Upcoming
AlmaMobil - Pilot Cross-Border Mobility Action for NEET Youth (Greek Implementation of the EU ALMA Initiative)
Young people aged 18-29 not in employment, education or training (NEET). There is no route yet for citizens to apply directly.
- Upcoming
Kilkis €1,000 birth grant (births from 1 January 2027)
The Municipality of Kilkis will pay a one-off €1,000 for every child born from 1/1/2027 to a family of its permanent residents and registered citizens, with no income criteria. It covers married couples, couples in a civil partnership and single-parent families.
- Upcoming
Kilkis: 80% off cleaning and lighting fees in 2027 for large and three-child families
In 2027 the Municipality of Kilkis cuts the municipal cleaning and lighting fees by 80% for large and three-child families with taxable income up to €30,000. People with an 80% disability are fully exempt from the service charges.
- Upcoming
Birth package of the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli (€1,000–3,000 and exemptions)
For every child born from 1 January 2027 to a family of registered citizens and permanent residents, the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli will pay a one-off €1,000 (€2,000 with family income up to €20,000, €3,000 for families registered with the Social Grocery), together with an exemption from municipal fees and free municipal nurseries. The decision awaits approval by the Decentralised Administration of Attica.
- Upcoming
Kifisia support programme for families having a child from 1 January 2027
From 1/1/2027 the Municipality of Kifisia will pay EUR 1,000 to 3,000, scaled by income, to families on its roll who have a child, with one parent a citizen and resident for at least 2 consecutive years, plus a 1-year municipal-fee exemption for family income up to EUR 40,000. The income bands have not been set yet.
- Upcoming
One-off 1,000–1,200 EUR aid for three-child and large families with an infant or toddler (Municipality of Malevizi)
One-off aid of €1,200 or €1,000 for three-child and large families registered and living in Malevizi who have a child not yet enrolled in kindergarten, depending on equivalised family income. The Municipality will announce the application dates.
- Upcoming
Perama EUR 1,000 allowance for every new birth
The Municipality of Perama announced a EUR 1,000 allowance for every new child of registered citizens, not only the first and with no income criteria, funded in the 2027 budget. The terms and procedure have not been announced yet.
- Upcoming
Child-rearing grant for unmarried, divorced or widowed mothers — «Aglaia Charalambous» bequest (Municipality of Ioannina)
A yearly call for 10 grants of €5,000 (+€1,000 for each additional child) for unmarried, divorced or widowed mothers registered in the Municipality of Ioannina, with very low income (up to €4,000) and little property. Apply to the Municipality within 45 days of the call being published.
- Upcoming
Florina subsidy of the monthly city-bus pass for University of Western Macedonia students
The Municipality of Florina will subsidise the Florina city-bus (Astiko KTEL) monthly unlimited pass for students of the University of Western Macedonia departments in Florina, on top of the reduced student fare. The contract with the bus company and the final price have not been set yet.
- Upcoming
Social Tutoring Voucher, Municipality of Orestiada
A voucher that will cover tuition at partner secondary-education tutoring centres and foreign-language schools for pupils from financially vulnerable families in the Municipality of Orestiada. The programme is funded, but the call for applications has not been announced yet.
- Upcoming
€19 Monthly Student Pass for Heraklion City Buses (Municipality of Heraklion – Region of Crete, 2026-2027)
Students of the University of Crete and the Hellenic Mediterranean University (ELMEPA) at their Heraklion schools will buy the Heraklion city-bus (Astiko KTEL) monthly unlimited pass for €19 instead of €45, from October 2026 to June 2027. The Municipality of Heraklion and the Region of Crete pay the difference.
- Upcoming
Naousa EUR 1,000 birth grant for low-income families
The Municipality of Naousa pays EUR 1,000 each year for every child born in the previous year, to families living permanently in the municipality, with at least one parent on its roll and family income up to EUR 16,000, +EUR 3,000 for each child the family already had. The round for 2025 births is complete; the next one has not been announced.
Recently added to the catalogue
Tax-Free Tips for Employees (up to €300 a Month)
Tips that employees receive voluntarily from customers are tax-free up to €300 a month.
Form S1: Healthcare in the EU Country Where You Live
If you are insured or a pensioner in one EU/EEA country, Switzerland or the United Kingdom and live in another, form S1 gives you healthcare in the country where you live.
€800,000 Tax-Free Allowance on Parental Gifts and Gifts between Close Relatives
Parental gifts and gifts to a spouse or civil partner, children, grandchildren and parents are tax-free up to €800,000 in total; above that the tax is 10%.
Funeral Expenses for a Deceased Uninsured Elderly Pensioner (OPEKA)
OPEKA refunds up to €800 of funeral expenses to the person who arranged the funeral of an uninsured elderly pensioner under Law 1296/1982.
EYATH Social Water Tariff (Thessaloniki)
EYATH customers on the electricity Social Household Tariff (KOT) are automatically placed on a reduced water tariff: the first 30 cubic metres per four months are free, with discounts on the next ones.
Free Legal Aid for Low-Income Citizens (Law 3226/2004)
A lawyer appointed by the court and exemption from court costs for people whose annual family income does not exceed two thirds of the minimum annual individual earnings.
Internship Pay for University Students (ESPA)
University students doing an internship in an ESPA-funded place get €350 a month (€175 part-time), insurance included.
Rent or Co-habitation Subsidy for People Hit by a Natural Disaster
A monthly subsidy of €300-500 towards rent (or half of that for co-habitation) when your main home was rated «yellow» or «red» after a natural disaster, for up to two years.
Suspension of Tax and Social Security Debt Payments for People Hit by a Natural Disaster
After a natural disaster, people certified as having damage to their home get a six-month suspension of tax debt payments, an arrangement and suspension of social security contributions, and a twelve-month suspension of forced enforcement.
Refund of the Excise Duty on Agricultural Diesel
Professional farmers get back the excise duty on the diesel they buy for their farming, in instalments during the year, without an application.
ENFIA Property Tax Exemption for Properties Hit by a Natural Disaster
Full exemption from the ENFIA property tax for buildings and farmland destroyed or declared dangerous or unfit after an earthquake, fire or flood, for the year of the disaster and the next two years.
EOPYY: Dressings and Wound-Healing Products for Pressure Ulcers, Ulcers and Wounds
EOPYY reimburses therapeutic dressings and wound-healing products for pressure ulcers, burns, leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers and open wounds, with a doctor's opinion.
Income Tax Reduction for Donations
Your income tax is reduced by 20% of the donations you made in the year (40% for donations to public-benefit foundations and registered civil-society organisations), if they exceed €100.
Tax Reduction for Building Upgrade Expenses (Article 39B of the Income Tax Code)
Expenses of up to €16,000 for the energy, functional or aesthetic upgrade of a building made by 31/12/2026 reduce your income tax, spread over five years.
Housing and meal allowance for DYPA apprenticeship-school (EPAS/PEPAS, ΕΠΑΣ/ΠΕΠΑΣ) students living away from home
First- and second-year apprentices of DYPA's apprenticeship schools (EPAS/PEPAS, ΕΠΑΣ/ΠΕΠΑΣ) who live permanently outside the town of their school get a housing allowance of €240 a month and a meal allowance of €9 a day, on top of their apprenticeship pay.
IKY Excellence Awards (top-ranked university entrants and top graduates of each department)
IKY gives a one-off €1,000 and an honorary diploma to the top-ranked Panhellenic entrant of each university department and to the top graduate of each department who finished in the normal time. There is no application: the department office sends the details.
Paid practicum for trainees of DYPA's vocational schools (SAEK, ΣΑΕΚ; formerly IEK)
Trainees of DYPA's 30 Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK, ΣΑΕΚ) do a 960-hour practicum with an employer and receive from DYPA pay equal to 80% of the minimum daily wage of an unskilled worker, once the practicum is completed.
State Compensation for Victims of Intentional Violent Crime (Hellenic Compensation Authority, Law 3811/2009)
Victims of intentional violent crime, human trafficking and certain sexual offences committed in Greece can ask the state for compensation. The application, on a special form, is filed with the Hellenic Compensation Authority of the Ministry of Justice with a EUR 50 fee.
Free and Reduced Public Transport Fares: OASA (Athens) and OSETH (Thessaloniki)
Free or reduced fares on Athens buses, trolleys, metro, electric railway and tram (OASA) and on OASTH buses and the Thessaloniki Metro (OSETH) for the unemployed, people with a disability of 67% or more, conscripts and uniformed staff, children and young people up to 18, people over 65, students of public institutions and large families, with a personalised card.
Firewood for Household Needs of Residents of Mountain and Forest Villages (free or at a symbolic price)
Residents of mountain and forest communities can get firewood to heat their home, free of charge or at a reduced price, under the yearly forest-police order of the local Forest Office. Quantity and terms are set locally; ask the Forest Office, or the municipality for municipal forests.
See also: Thessaloniki Fair 2026 measures on benefits: what applies, and from when