Welfare

Greece is edging very close to both the European average and that of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries in non-salary costs with the reduction of social security contributions by one percentage point that will apply from the beginning of 2025, for both private and public employees.

Three benefits from OPEKA (Organization for Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity) are set to increase in the coming months as part of the family support measures announced by the Prime Minister at TIF:

The beneficiaries of the package of measures announced by the Prime Minister at the TIF, which unfolds from now until the end of 2025 and approaches 1.4 billion euros, are being presented by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a comprehensive reform plan with interventions aimed at increasing incomes, developing the country’s productive potential, reducing inequalities, and addressing key issues such as housing and demographics in his speech at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair.

The reliance of Bulgaria's State Social Insurance (SSI) on the state budget is set to continue growing, according to an actuarial report by the National Social Security Institute (NSSI).

The rationalization of social benefits should not be attempted with the goal of saving money, but rather of providing transparency and justice.

Aid should go to those who really need it. And, above all, it should not to serve as a disincentive for (declared) work, as is often the case today, especially with seasonal allowances.

A total of €54,700.00 will be paid to 48,850 beneficiaries, from July 8 to 12, 2024, under the scheduled payments of the e-EFKA and the Public Employment Service (DYPA).

Specifically, as the Ministry of Labor and Social Security said in a statement:

In 2019, a record year for tourism, 152,787 people received seasonal unemployment benefits. Last year, the number increased to 172,485 people.

The scheduled increase in pensions from July 1 might be adjusted to 10% instead of the initially projected 11%, in line with the State Social Security budget for the current year. This potential alteration stems from the officially reported lower inflation rates compared to earlier forecasted estimates.

The government is expected to present its revised benefits policy in the summer.

With no budgetary room to increase the sum offered, it is eyeing the optimum targeting of social groups where the biggest problem is found: Single-parent families, single-person households, as well as under-18s.