Greece launches prepaid card for all social welfare benefits

From 15 March 2025 the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family will issue a single prepaid card that consolidates the payment of all social welfare benefits, unemployment aid, child‑birth allowances and other support measures. The card, issued through the beneficiary’s existing bank, allows cash withdrawals of up to 50 % of the balance at ATMs and can be used for everyday purchases, online payments and services in Greece and across the EU, except for weapons and gambling transactions.

The scheme, financed by the EU NextGenerationEU recovery fund and part of the “Greece 2.0” resilience plan, integrates 19 categories of assistance administered by OPEKA and DYPA. Participation by five systemic banks and cooperative banks aims to ensure nationwide coverage and greater transparency, reducing bureaucracy and tax evasion in the distribution of social aid.