Greece makes Personal Assistant program permanent, €53 million annual funding

The Greek government announced that the Personal Assistant programme for people with disabilities is now a permanent, nationwide service. Funding for the scheme totals €53 million per year, sourced from national budgets and European Union funds, with €30 million allocated through the 2021‑2027 ESFA programme.

The programme, administered by the Organisation for Welfare Payments and Social Solidarity (OPEKA), will continue to support beneficiaries without requiring a new application if they used the service for at least 60 days during the pilot phase, which assisted 1,825 people and employed 3,043 personal assistants. New applicants will be admitted based on a points system that considers social and income criteria. Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou said the move gives people with disabilities greater control over their daily lives and work.

The decision expands the pilot’s coverage to the entire country, ensuring stable assistance for a broader population of persons with disabilities.