More than €1 billion is expected to flow into the market by the end of the year, targeted for distribution to over 3 million citizens, including military personnel, pensioners, renters, disability benefit recipients, and households. Payments will begin at the end of next month and peak before Christmas, while amounts will be determined based on income, family status, and place of residence. Pay increases for military personnel will be reflected in November salaries, pensioners will receive the permanent benefit of €250, while renters and heating subsidy recipients will see amounts automatically credited to their bank accounts. This financial “injection” is estimated to substantially boost disposable income ahead of winter and the holiday season, during a period when households continue to face pressures from increased cost of living.
In detail, the following will be distributed from the treasury:
What applies to military personnel
With November payroll, salary increases will be paid retroactively to approximately 151,000 military personnel for October, following the implementation of new special pay scales. The increases range from 13% to 20%, depending on rank and years of service. On average, the increase reaches €145 for Armed Forces staff and €111 for Police, Fire Service, and Coast Guard. Specifically, for category A (officers) the average increase amounts to €276 monthly, for category B (non-commissioned officers) €128, while for category C (EPOП/OΠΥ etc.) €103. It should be noted that the next increase in Armed Forces incomes is expected in January, with the activation of the new tax scale, which, due to lower rates, will reduce monthly tax withholding and increase net income.
Next month, approximately 1.18 million households will receive part of the rent they paid in their bank accounts. Payment will be made automatically on November 30, after completion of necessary cross-checks by ΑΑDΕ to ensure criteria are met. This is a new measure being implemented for the first time, aimed at relieving households from increased housing costs. The refund corresponds to 1/12 of the annual rent for the main residence, with a maximum limit of €800, increased by €50 for each dependent child. For student housing, the maximum refund amount is €800. Eligible are renters who have declared the lease to tax authorities and meet specific income and asset criteria. Specifically, for single persons income must not exceed €20,000 and for couples €28,000 (with an increase of €4,000 per child), while for single-parent families the maximum household income is €31,000, increased by €5,000 for each additional child beyond the first. The objective value of real estate property must not exceed €120,000 for single persons, with an increase of €20,000 for each additional household member.
What applies to pensioners
At the end of November, the permanent benefit of €250 will be paid to approximately 1.4 million beneficiaries from OΠΕΚΑ, of whom 1.1 million are pensioners and 300,000 are disability benefit recipients or uninsured elderly. For pensioners, income and asset criteria apply, as well as an age limit of 65 years. Specifically, total individual taxable income must not exceed €14,000 for single or widowed persons and €26,000 for married persons, while real estate property must not exceed €200,000 and €300,000, respectively. For the other two categories of beneficiaries (disability benefits and uninsured elderly pension) no income or age limits are provided. The “personal difference” of the pension plays an important role in granting the benefit. For example, a pensioner with a €1,000 pension meets the income criteria, but if they have a “personal difference” of €300, their annual income exceeds €14,000 and they lose the benefit.
According to ΗDΙΚΑ data, most pensioners who will receive the €250 come from the following funds:
– OΓΑ: average pension €500/month
– OΑΕΕ: average pension approximately €700/month
– ΙΚΑ: average pension approximately €850/month
– ΕΤΑΑ: average pension around €800/month
ΝΑΤ: average pension €900–1,000/month
Heating subsidy beneficiaries
In December, approximately 1.2 million households will see the advance payment of this year’s heating subsidy, totaling €195 million, credited to their bank accounts. The electronic application platform myΘέρμανση opens in early November, while applications must be
completed by early December, so that crediting occurs before Christmas. The amount ranges from €100 to €800, however for areas with
high climate coefficient the maximum subsidy can reach up to €1,200. To receive the heating benefit, households must meet specific income and asset criteria. Single persons must have annual income up to €16,000, while married persons or those in civil partnerships must not exceed €24,000, with an increase of €5,000 for each child. For single-parent families the income limit reaches €29,000, with an increase of €5,000 for each child beyond the first.
For those engaged in business activity, total gross revenue must not exceed €80,000. Regarding real estate property, for single persons it is up to €200,000, for married persons up to €260,000, with an increase of €40,000 for each dependent child.
*Published in Sunday’s Afternoon Edition
