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Greece restores survivor pensions for thousands of beneficiaries
The Greek government has announced the permanent abolition of pension cuts for widows and widowers previously established under the Katrougalos law. Under the new legislative framework, approximately 8,500 beneficiaries will see their survivor pensions restored from 35% to 70% of the deceased's pension, effectively doubling their monthly income in some cases. This change applies to those who were previously subject to cuts after a three-year period, regardless of whether they are working or receiving their own pension.
Additionally, the reform impacts several other groups: approximately 75,000 retirees are now protected from future cuts, and 122,000 individuals receiving two national pensions will be allowed to continue doing so without adjustment. The state has also waived the collection of retroactive amounts for approximately 80,000 private sector pensions.
Separately, e-EFKA and DYPA have scheduled payments totaling 2.48 billion euros for 4.3 million beneficiaries between August 24 and 28, 2026, primarily covering September pensions, unemployment benefits, and maternity leave. Regarding general pensions, projected increases for 2027 are expected to range between 2.6% and 3%, depending on inflation and GDP growth rates.
Entities
Greece · Kyriakos Mitsotakis · Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs · Niki Keramei · e-EFKA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 75,000 retirees are exempt from having to return retroactive amounts. www.businessdaily.gr · www.flash.gr · www.proson.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] 122,000 retirees will continue to receive two national pensions normally. www.businessdaily.gr · www.flash.gr · www.proson.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Greek government is permanently abolishing Katrougalos-era survivor pension cuts. www.businessdaily.gr · www.flash.gr · www.proson.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] 8,500 beneficiaries will receive significant pension increases. www.businessdaily.gr · www.flash.gr · www.proson.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Payments of the increased survivor pensions will be completed by Friday. www.businessdaily.gr · www.flash.gr · www.proson.gr