Greek pensioners are set to benefit from a series of measures expected to be rolled out over the coming months, with pension increases, benefit enhancements and changes to widow’s pensions among the key initiatives under discussion.

According to the plans outlined, the package includes six major measures aimed at boosting pension income and resolving long-standing issues affecting retirees.

Pension Increase Revised Upward

A pension increase of 2.6% is expected to take effect from 2027, higher than the previously projected 2.4%, following higher inflation forecasts. The increase is scheduled to be paid in December 2026 as part of the January 2027 pension payment and is expected to affect around 2.5 million pensioners.

End of the “Personal Difference” Mechanism

The government also plans to fully abolish the so-called “personal difference” mechanism from 2027. Around 670,000 pensioners who still have outstanding balances linked to the system would then receive the full annual pension increase.

While the remaining personal difference amount would continue to be paid separately as part of the pension, it would no longer be increased in future years.

Higher Annual Allowance

A permanent annual payment for pensioners and welfare beneficiaries is also set to rise to €300 from €250. The revised income criteria are expected to expand eligibility, allowing an additional 420,000 pensioners to receive the benefit.

The payment is scheduled for November.

Easier Access to Supplementary Pensions

Another planned reform would allow workers to purchase credited insurance years for supplementary pensions. The measure is primarily aimed at self-employed workers and freelancers who do not meet the minimum 15-year insurance requirement needed to qualify for a supplementary pension.

Officials estimate that around 45,000 future retirees could gain access to supplementary pension benefits through the scheme.

Temporary Pensions May Be Phased Out

Authorities are also considering the gradual abolition of temporary pensions, initially for public-sector retirees, following improvements in pension-processing times.

The digitization of insurance records has significantly reduced waiting periods, with many pension decisions now being issued in less than two months.

Widow’s Pension Reform in Preparation

The government has also pledged that widow’s pensions will not face reductions and says it is preparing legislation to resolve uncertainty affecting approximately 130,000 private-sector pensioners.

The issue emerged after a court ruling interpreted existing pension legislation as preventing the simultaneous payment of more than one national pension to the same beneficiary. As a result, retirees receiving both their own pension and a widow’s pension faced the possibility of cuts. The proposed legislation is expected to address the issue comprehensively and prevent a 50% reduction in widow’s pension payments for those affected.