The Greek government is considering increasing its annual financial support payment for pensioners from €300 to between €350 and €400, as part of broader efforts to help households cope with the rising cost of living.
According to information from the government’s economic team, the measure would benefit around 1.7 million pensioners. However, no final decision has been made, as the amount will depend on Greece’s economic performance and public finances after the summer.
Increase depends on fiscal performance
Under the proposal currently under consideration, the annual payment—traditionally made each November—would be raised to provide additional support to pensioners facing continued pressure from higher living costs.
Officials are expected to make a final decision once there is a clearer picture of tax revenues and the country’s primary budget surplus. If both exceed current forecasts, the government intends to use the additional fiscal space to fund the higher payment.
Who would qualify?
The planned support is primarily aimed at lower-income pensioners.
Based on the criteria currently under consideration, eligible recipients would include pensioners who had reached the age of 65 by December 2025. An exception would apply to recipients of survivor’s pensions, for whom the minimum qualifying age would remain 60.
Income and property thresholds would also continue to apply.
For single pensioners, including widows and widowers, annual income must not exceed €25,000, while the total value of real estate holdings must remain below €300,000.
For married couples or those in registered civil partnerships, the proposed limits would be €35,000 in annual income and €400,000 in total real estate assets.
Final announcement expected later this year
The government is expected to announce its final decision at the Thessaloniki International Fair, when officials will have a more complete assessment of the country’s economic outlook and available fiscal resources.
