7 benefits in December: details about beneficiaries and payment terms

The list of those who will see an increase in their disposable income in December, as well as in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, is quite a long period.

The money will come either as a permanent benefit (and an increase for Christmas) or as an emergency measure. This was officially announced by the Greek government. Those who will see an increase in their standard income will include:

• civil servants and pensioners who will be paid their January salary (contribution) in advance, with the amount of the Christmas “gift” included.
• 18 and 19 year olds who will receive the newly introduced “youth pass” for the first time
• heating allowance,
• extension of market pass 2, which is eligible for those living in areas affected by summer fires, as well as floods in September,
• beneficiaries of the minimum guaranteed income (EEI-KEA).

Who and when will receive additional money in their accounts:

• Civil servants. About 660,000 civil servants (with 14 years of experience) will receive a salary increase from 1-1-2024. All basic salaries have been increased by 70 euros. The biggest beneficiaries will be civil servants in positions of responsibility, as well as those with children, whose income will see an additional increase thanks to a 30 percent increase in the position allowance and the amount of family allowance for each child. For the first child, the benefit increases by 20 euros (from the current 50 to 70 euros), and for those who have two or more children, the benefit increases by 50 euros. Taking into account the new wage fund, the average annual payment per employee will be 2084 euros (total amount) or 1476 euros (net). Payment of increased wages will take place in the last 10 days of December.
• Pensioners. An increase of 3% (from 25 to 60 euros per month, depending on the size of the pension) will be received by approximately 1,800,000 pensioners. An estimated 1.5 million of them will receive the full 3% increase, while 300,000 will receive part of the increase as it will be counted towards the “personal difference” amount. Payment of increased pensions will take place before Christmas.
• Heating allowance. The first payment will be made by December 22, 2023 and will apply to applications submitted by November 30, 2023, subject to registration of documents by December 8, 2023.
• Market pass 2. Beneficiaries from the affected areas will receive the benefit for both months, November and December 2023. The process will be automatic, with the same criteria and conditions. Payment will be made on December 20th, and for those who submit new applications, payment will be made later.
• Youth Pass. Youth Pass beneficiaries will be able to apply for €150 in financial assistance until Tuesday 5 December. The beneficiaries are approximately 200,000 young people aged 18 and 19 years. The amount will be credited to a digital debit card that can be used at businesses in the cultural, tourism and transport sectors. The money will arrive before December 10.
• Minimum guaranteed income (EEE-KEA). Beneficiaries of the minimum guaranteed income (about 210,000 people) will receive a permanent increase of 8% from December.
• The minimum guaranteed income is an emergency one-time payment. This year, the benefit will be provided to 2.3 million income eligible citizens before Christmas, for a total of €352 million.
• Families who receive child benefit CUSTODYwill receive a 150% increase in the monthly benefit for December.
• Pensioners those earning up to 700 euros without taking into account “personal differences” will receive 150 euros.
• People with disabilities receiving disability benefit CUSTODY, will receive 200 euros.
• Finally, Guaranteed Minimum Income beneficiaries will receive a 50% increase in the benefit they receive, which will be awarded before Christmas.

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