Greece has announced a new €34.8 million funding package to support the continuation and expansion of the Personal Assistant Program for people with disabilities, a key initiative aimed at promoting independent living and social inclusion.
The funding call was issued jointly by the Ministry of National Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, with the decision signed by Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis and overseen by Minister Domna Michailidou.
The program is part of Greece’s broader strategy under the ESPA 2021-2027 and the Human Resources and Social Cohesion Program, ensuring continuity after its initial pilot phase, which had been financed through the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
What the funding covers
The total public expenditure amounts to €34,822,760. Of this, approximately €30 million will be directed to providing Personal Assistant services over a three-year period, while around €5 million will support implementation and related administrative actions.
The initiative is expected to move into full nationwide implementation in June, combining both European and national resources.
How the Personal Assistant Program works
The Personal Assistant Program (Greece) allows individuals with disabilities to receive tailored assistance from a personal assistant of their choice or their legal representative, such as a parent or guardian.
Support can be provided either at home or outside the residence, depending on the needs and instructions of each beneficiary. The service is designed to be flexible and personalized, aiming to enhance autonomy and participation in daily and social life.
Assistance may be delivered directly or through approved service providers, depending on the implementation framework.
Supporting services and implementation
Alongside direct assistance, the program includes a series of supporting actions such as upgrading digital systems, updating training materials, and providing education for both personal assistants and beneficiaries. It also foresees the operation of evaluation committees, support offices, and awareness campaigns.
According to the announcement, these measures are intended to strengthen service quality and ensure a more structured and efficient framework for implementation.
Focus on inclusion and independent living
Authorities say the program is designed to improve quality of life for people with disabilities and their families by promoting independent living, social integration, and deinstitutionalization. It also aims to reinforce the overall support system and improve coordination of services across the country.
