Greece opens applications for Personal Assistant program for people with disabilities

The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has opened the electronic platform for new applications to the ‘Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities’ program. Following a successful pilot phase, the initiative has been established as a permanent national service designed to enhance the autonomy and social participation of individuals with disabilities.

Eligible applicants include individuals aged 16 to 67 (with exceptions up to 75) who have a primary disability rate of at least 67% or are in a state of absolute disability. Applicants must be permanent, legal residents and tax residents of Greece and meet specific income criteria.

The program allows beneficiaries to select their own assistants to help organize daily life, including personal care, transportation, work, studies, and social activities. Depending on the level of need assessed, monthly support values can range from approximately €416 for minor needs to €1,939 for those with absolute and permanent dependency. Minister Domna Michailidou emphasized that the program aims to empower individuals to make their own life decisions rather than having decisions made for them.