Greece plans first Market Pass voucher payments by Christmas 2026

The Greek government is planning the first distribution of the new Market Pass vouchers before Christmas 2026. The program aims to support economically vulnerable households by providing funds for food and essential goods.

While the average monthly support is estimated at approximately 60 euros, the initial payment could reach up to 1,000 euros for some beneficiaries due to the retroactive nature of the program. The total budget for this food assistance initiative is 400 million euros, secured through European funds for the next two years.

Unlike previous models that relied on pre-packaged food distributions, the new system utilizes electronic vouchers. This allows recipients to select specific products that meet their needs and choose from participating local businesses, a move intended to increase autonomy and reduce social stigma. The implementation details were discussed in a meeting between the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, and the President of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEΕ), Stavros Kafounis.