Up to four monthly rent payments can be received in total from the state by approximately 50,000 teachers, doctors and nurses who serve far from their permanent place of residence.
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Rent rebate: First retroactive payments launch on September 25
The first retroactive payments begin tomorrow, September 25, with the entire process for both 2024 and 2025 rent reimbursements expected to be completed by the end of November. The special provision allows for the return of two months’ rent per year, with no income criteria applied, for those serving in regional postings who rent accommodation in their area of service. The measure is applied retroactively from 2025.
Tomorrow’s payment covers retroactive amounts for 2025, with two additional key dates to follow. September 30 is the deadline for tenants to correct their details, while reimbursement of one month’s rent to the approximately one million recipients of the general measure is expected to be completed by November 30.
For 2024 rent, eligible recipients fall into two categories. Those who received a one-month rent refund in November 2025 — having met the income criteria at the time — will receive an additional amount equivalent to 1/12 of their annual rental expenditure. Those who did not receive the benefit due to income thresholds will receive an amount equal to 2/12 of the rent they paid in 2024.
For 2025 rent, the benefit will be paid by the end of November and normally corresponds to 2/12 of the annual rent. If the recipient is also receiving a one-month rent refund for their primary residence, the additional benefit is reduced to 1/12, so that the total amount equals two monthly rent payments.
Who are the approximately 50,000 recipients of the special benefit
Eligible recipients include permanent and substitute teachers, members of Special Educational Staff and Special Support Staff, as well as doctors, dentists, trainee doctors, auxiliary and rural physicians, and personal doctors serving within the public healthcare system.
Also included are nurses, paramedical and other healthcare personnel, employees working in public health facilities and Mental Health Units, as well as drivers and ambulance crews of the National Emergency Medical Service (EKAV).
The benefit is not limited to cases where the rented property has been declared as a primary residence. Employees who rent secondary accommodation in the area where they serve are also covered. From 2025 onwards, and for each subsequent year, the financial benefit corresponds to 2/12 of the total rent paid during the previous year.
If a recipient changed residence during the same year, the rent paid for all eligible properties is taken into account. For those who are also entitled to the existing one-month rent refund, the additional benefit corresponds to 1/12 of the annual rent.
The total benefit amount cannot exceed €1,600 per year for each year of rental payments. This cap increases by €100 for each dependent child of the recipient and their spouse. In the event of a separation, the increase applies to each parent individually, with the same provision extending to parties in a civil partnership.
