More than 130,000 insured workers are expected to leave the workforce by 2026, according to estimates from EFKA officials. Early retirement from working life represents a right for specific categories of employees, subject to special conditions that vary depending on the insurance fund, year of appointment, and family status.
According to reporting by Giorgos Aftias in the “Apogeumatini” newspaper, the basic requirements that determine retirement eligibility include securing insurance rights, year of hiring, years of insurance coverage (25-year, 35-year or 37-year periods), having minor children, and the insured person’s birth year. Each parameter affects differently the timing and method of workforce exit.
How to retire in 2026: Workers insured before 1993 with IKA
Mothers who were insured with IKA before the 1993 reform enjoy more favorable regulations. Specifically, those with 5,500 stamps by 2011 and a minor child can retire with different age limits depending on their birth year. Those born in 1965 are entitled to retirement at 58.5 years, while those from 1966 at 60.2 years with reduced benefits.
Women with 5,500 days of insurance who had a minor child in 2012 and completed their 55th year of age in 2018 are entitled to reduced pension at 61 years. Conversely, those who turned 55 from 2019 onwards retire at 62 years. Men and women with 10,500 days of insurance by 2012 retire at 62 years without further requirements. Special treatment applies to those in heavy professions, who with 10,500 days (of which 7,500 in heavy work) retire at 60 years with reduced pension or at 62 with full pension.
Public servants and special categories
Public servants who completed 25 years by 2010 are entitled to full pension before or at 62 years, provided they have reached 58 years with 35 years by 2021. Different regulations apply to those who acquired 25 years between 2011 and 2021, who need 36 or 37 years of insurance and specific age limits.
Parents hired in the public sector between 1983 and 1992, with 25 years by 2012 and a minor child, retire with full pension from 58.5 to 62.6 years, depending on when they completed ages 50 to 55. Special provision exists for parents of children with disabilities, who receive pension at 50 years with 25 years of service.
Teachers hired by 1992 enjoy favorable terms, as they retire with 35 years, with 25 years and a minor child, or with conditions for parents of three children with lower age limits. For those appointed between 1983 and 1992, the 30-year rule applies with exit at 60 years.
Bank employees and public utility company workers
Those insured with bank funds and public utilities before 1982 who completed 35 years by 2021 retire at 61.6 years. Those who acquired 35 years after 2022 retire at 62 years and require 40 years of insurance for retirement. Mothers with 25 years by 2011, a minor child and completed 50th or 52nd year of age by 2017 retire immediately with age limit up to 58.5 years. Conversely, those completing 50 years after 2017 retire at 60.2 years. Mothers who in 2012 had 25 years with a minor and turned 55 by 2018 receive full pension at 61 years.
Self-employed professionals and special funds
Insured workers regardless of fund with 35 years by 2012 retire at 62 years without requiring 40 years. Those who acquired 35 years after 2013 also retire at 62 years but with mandatory completion of 40 years of insurance. At the Lawyers’ Fund, mothers insured in 1993 with a minor child in 2011 and 21 to 22 years of insurance can apply for retirement before 62 years, provided they completed their 50th or 55th year of age by 2018. Women with 25 years by December 31, 2010 in TSMEDE, Lawyers’ Fund or TSAY (with 21.6 years) retire at 62 years under the condition of completing 40 years of insurance total.
Early retirement in 2026 affects thousands of insured workers who meet specific criteria. Timely information and submission of necessary documentation to EFKA are decisive factors for smooth retirement processing.
