Thousands of beneficiaries of social benefits will see significant increases in the amounts they receive in 2026, with retroactive effect and successive adjustments throughout the year. A total of 19 benefits paid by e-EFKA, DYPA and OPEKA are being increased, bringing significant relief to beneficiaries. The changes are directly linked to pension increases and minimum wage adjustments. Official circulars from the agencies provide for two waves of increases. The first begins on January 1st with a 2.4% increase in sickness benefits, maternity benefits and funeral expenses. The second wave comes on April 1st with a larger 4.6% increase in 16 additional benefits tied to the minimum wage.
Read: Protected bank accounts: Complete guide to limits, tax documentation & pension protection – What applies in 2026
Retroactive payments from January for e-EFKA benefits
The first increase of 2.4% affects benefits linked to pensions and paid by e-EFKA. This is a technical adjustment with immediate financial benefit for insured individuals using these specific benefits. Sickness benefits are adjusted with new amounts. For the first 15 days of coverage, the daily amount now reaches €18.61. After the first fifteen-day period, the maximum daily amount is set at €34.20. These amounts constitute the maximum daily payment limit for beneficiaries.
Funeral expense benefits increase to €883.92. A corresponding adjustment applies to the lump-sum funeral benefit from the Hotel Employees Fund, while in case of death of an indirect family member, the amount is set at €441.96. Although the increases are not dramatic, they steadily strengthen social benefits during a period when the cost of living remains at high levels.
From April 1st, increases in 16 DYPA and OPEKA benefits
The second and more significant package of increases begins April 1st, as the adjusted minimum wage directly affects benefits paid by DYPA and OPEKA. Beneficiaries will receive retroactive payments for January through March. Unemployment benefits increase significantly from €509.70 to €565.23, while the daily benefit is set at €22.60. Holiday benefits rise from €556.05 to €590, providing additional relief to beneficiaries.
Unemployment benefits for non-salaried workers covered by OAEE, ETAA and ETAP SME reach €540.38. Marriage benefits are set at €87.98, while monthly three-year service benefits increase to €87.99. Particularly significant is the adjustment of maternity benefits, which for the 9-month payment period now amounts to €7,919.69. Parental leave benefits increase to €1,759.90, supporting new families.
Support for special benefit categories
The increases and retroactive payments extend to a series of special benefits for specific professional categories. Employer insolvency benefits rise to €2,639.80, while availability benefits are set at €87.99. Seasonal benefits for construction workers reach €1,017.90, providing support to one of the most vulnerable professional groups. Benefits for forestry and tobacco workers amount to €962.88, while benefits for emery workers increase to €1,375.55.
Seasonal benefits for artists and tourism workers reach €687.77. Additionally, special benefits for ex-prisoners, violence victims and recovering addicts increase to approximately €810.
When retroactive payments will be made
The comprehensive adjustments strengthen the social protection network and directly affect thousands of beneficiaries nationwide. While the increase amounts don’t drastically change income levels, they provide steady relief, particularly for vulnerable social groups facing financial difficulties. The exact dates for retroactive payment disbursement are expected to be clarified in the coming period. Beneficiaries will see the increases in their bank accounts gradually, with priority given to benefits adjusted from January.
The agencies e-EFKA, DYPA and OPEKA have already issued relevant circulars and are proceeding with necessary procedures for timely payment of increased amounts and retroactive benefits.
