Who will receive emergency assistance in December?

Emergency measures to support the population, payments of social solidarity benefits and others, were announced by the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis and Deputy Minister Thanos Petralias.

As Mr. Hatzidakis noted, “2023 was a difficult year in all respects, however, the Greek economy survived, as reflected in the annual budget figures. It seems that despite the difficulties, we can say that at the end of the year we will achieve the target of a primary surplus of 1.1% of GDP and we will still have some money left, which will be transferred to citizens in the form of social assistance.”

“It is expected that this surplus will amount to 352 million euros. This is the amount that will be used to support vulnerable categories of citizens during the Christmas period,” the minister emphasized.

In particular:

• The amount of 125 million will be allocated to 800,000 recipients child benefits from OPEC. Instead of the 100 euros that each parent receives per month, in December they will receive 150. Example: a family with four children and an income of 10-15,000 euros today receives a benefit of 168 euros per month. Thanks to the new measures, they will receive an additional 252 euros, so in December the amount will be 420 euros.
• Increase by 50% in benefits for citizens receiving minimum guaranteed income (EEE-KEA). The budget is 24 million euros, which will be distributed among 210,000 beneficiaries. Example: spouses with two children received a benefit of 400 euros. They will now receive a monthly benefit supplement of 32 euros. That is, the family will receive an additional extraordinary benefit in the amount of 216 euros, and the total amount of state aid in December will be 646 euros.

Support for people with disabilities OPEKA and EFKA with a budget of 45 million euros and 225,000 beneficiaries:

• Additional support low-income pensioners (with a basic pension of less than 700 euros) and uninsured elderly people who will receive a “bonus” of 150 euros. Example: a pensioner with a basic pension of 600 euros will receive a total increase of 216 euros per year. And if you add one-time assistance in the amount of 150 euros, then the person will receive 365 euros in December. That is, instead of an increase of 3%, he will receive an increase of 5.1%.
• Citizens with disabilitiesreceiving benefits from CUSTODYan additional 200 euros are provided.

When will benefits be paid?

Payment of solidarity benefits will proceed as usual, along with payments at the end of the month (scheduled for the end of December). It is also reported that corresponding statements will be made from the leadership of OPECA and EFCA.

Minister of Finance recalled the five measures of social assistance to the population that the government signed:

1. Extraordinary financial support in the amount of 100-200 pensioners with a “personal difference”.
2. Market Pass 1 and 2.
3. Providing heating benefits in Evros.
4. Youthpass for young people aged 18-19 years.
5. Increase in the amount of minimum guaranteed income by 8%.

Additional support measures that have already been adopted and will come into force from 01/01/2024:

• will increase salaries for civil servants,
• pensions will be increased by approximately 3%,
• increasing tax-free benefits for taxpayers with dependent children,
• an 8% increase in the amount of the minimum guaranteed income,
• youth “pass” in the amount of 150 per year,
• ENFIA reduction by 10% for houses insured against fire, flood, earthquake,
• increasing pensions for low-income pensioners.

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