Greece implements pension reforms and survivor benefit increases

Greece is implementing significant pension reforms affecting both survivor pensions and the recognition of fictitious insurance years.

A new legislative measure abolishes the reduction of survivor pensions that previously occurred after the first three years of benefit receipt. For approximately 8,552 public sector retirees who saw their benefits drop from 70% to 35% due to having their own income or pensions, benefits will now be restored to the original 70%. This change is expected to increase monthly benefits by an average of 470 euros, with a monthly fiscal cost of approximately 4 million euros. The increases will be reflected in September pension payments.

Additionally, EFKA has clarified new rules regarding the recognition and purchase of fictitious insurance years. This allows various categories of insured individuals—including mothers of minors, those in heavy or unhealthy occupations, and individuals with specific disabilities—to qualify for pensions without the strict 3,600-day (12-year) insurance requirement that applies to most other categories. These changes also extend to supplementary pensions, providing more flexibility for approximately 200,000 insured persons to secure retirement rights.