Greece to End Pension “Personal Difference” Offset, Raising Retirees’ Income

The Greek government will fully abolish the offset mechanism known as the “personal difference” that has been applied to pension adjustments. Starting at the end of December 2026, about 670,000 retirees will receive a real increase in their monthly pension, because the offset will no longer reduce the amount of the annual raise.

From 2023‑2025, roughly 800,000 pensioners missed the increases as the offset absorbed the full adjustment. The reform first reduces the offset to 50 % of the annual increase in 2026, and a complete removal is scheduled for 2027. The personal‑difference figure will still appear on statements but will no longer affect the calculation of the main pension amount. All 2.6 million Greek retirees are expected to receive the annual indexation of 2.6‑2.7 %, with an example increase from €1,300 to €1,333.8 per month.