Greece considers pension increases and social welfare reforms

The Greek government is considering a package of social measures aimed at pensioners, employees, and families to combat inflation and high living costs.

For pensioners, discussions include increasing the annual November emergency boost from 300 euros to between 400 and 446 euros. This measure would affect approximately 1.8 million beneficiaries, including those over 65 and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, pension increases for 2027 are projected to be between 2.7% and 2.8%, and changes are being considered regarding personal differences to ensure retirees receive the full planned annual increase.

Regarding employment, proposals include reducing social security contributions by one percentage point to lower non-wage labor costs. Depending on fiscal space, this reduction could be split equally between employers and employees, or applied entirely to employers to ease their burden.

To support families, the government is evaluating a significant increase in the A21 child allowance. A potential 30% increase in basic amounts, without changing income criteria, is estimated to cost approximately 200 million euros annually. Other measures under discussion include increasing the 150 euro emergency assistance per child.