Greece to end pension “personal difference” offset, boosting payments for 670,000 retirees

The Greek government plans to fully abolish the offsetting of the “personal difference” in pension indexation starting in 2027. Under the current system, annual pension increases have been used to reduce this personal difference, preventing many retirees from receiving the full adjustment. About 670,000 pensioners who still retain a positive personal difference will from 2027 receive the entire annual increase – projected at roughly 2.9% – directly in their monthly pension, rather than having it absorbed to lower the personal difference.

From 2023 to 2025, approximately 800,000 retirees saw their increases fully offset, and in 2026 the offset was limited to 50% of the raise. The final decree on the complete abolition and the exact increase rate is expected by the end of 2026, once inflation and economic growth figures are finalized. Sample calculations show the net monthly benefit rising by about €21 for a pension of €724, by €44 for a €1,527 pension, and by €47 for a €1,630 pension.