Greece has recorded a sharp increase in recipients of its monthly allowance for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals following a policy reform that expanded eligibility and removed long-standing age restrictions.
The benefit, set at €391 per month, is provided to individuals with a disability rate above 67%. The reform eliminated an age barrier that had previously excluded people between 18 and 65 years old, significantly broadening access to financial support.
According to official data presented by the Minister for Social Cohesion and Family, the number of beneficiaries has risen from 6,300 to 12,200 within one year, effectively doubling the reach of the programme. Over the same period, annual public spending on the allowance increased from €2.5 million to €4.8 million.
Officials described the change as a correction of a long-standing gap in social policy, arguing that it ensured equal access to support for all eligible citizens regardless of age.
Eligibility and payment rules
The allowance is administered through Greece’s welfare payments agency and is available to Greek citizens, EU and EEA nationals, refugees, and other protected groups, as well as eligible family members of EU citizens.
It can be combined with other forms of financial assistance. If another benefit is lower than the allowance, the state covers the difference; however, if another payment is equal or higher, the allowance is not granted. Receiving a public or private pension does not disqualify applicants.
Payments may be suspended if a beneficiary remains outside the country for more than six months within a year or if eligibility conditions are no longer met.
Applications are submitted through the relevant social welfare authority with a formal declaration from the applicant. Existing beneficiaries continue receiving payments without needing to reapply, while new applications must be filed within six months of the regulation’s entry into force.
