Greece has set a strict September 1 deadline for wildfire victims to submit their applications for state aid, as authorities move quickly to deliver compensation and housing assistance to affected households and businesses.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced that municipalities and regional authorities have just 10 days to process and forward the files of eligible residents so payments can begin. Inspections of damaged homes and properties have already been completed in Achaia, Preveza, Arta and Zakynthos, with assessments in all other fire-hit areas due by August 25.
Applications must be filed with local municipalities and include the inspection report along with required tax documents. From September 1, local authorities are obliged to send the completed files to the ministry for verification and payment processing.
The government has outlined a series of support measures, including:
- Financial aid to cover households’ immediate needs
- Housing assistance for damaged homes
- State subsidies covering up to 70% of losses for businesses
- A three-year exemption from property tax on severely damaged buildings
- Emergency funding for local authorities to restore infrastructure
Compensation amounts depend on the level of damage recorded: €2,000 for homes classified as “green” (light damage), €4,000 for “yellow” (moderate damage) and €6,000 for “red” (severe damage). An additional €600 is granted as an emergency allowance.
Households whose homes have been deemed uninhabitable may also apply for rent subsidies ranging from €300 to €500 per month, depending on family size.
By the end of September, a Joint Ministerial Decision is expected to formally designate the affected areas. Once this step is completed, property owners will be able to apply for repairs or reconstruction, with the state covering up to 70% of related costs.
