Greece ends cuts to widow's and widower's pensions

Greece has enacted a significant reform to its widow's and widower's pension system, permanently removing the reduction that previously halved payments after three years. Under the new regulation, beneficiaries will continue to receive 70% of the deceased's pension without a time limit.

This change effectively cancels the 35% reduction stipulated by the previous "Katrougalos law." The reform benefits more than 80,000 individuals, ensuring a stable income stream. Importantly, the government will not seek back payments from the e-EFKA social security agency for cases where the reduction had not yet been applied.

For those who had already experienced the pension cut, their payments will be reinstated to the full 70%. However, they will not receive compensation for the income lost in previous years. The new rules take effect upon publication of the regulation and do not create financial claims for the past.

Additionally, approximately 122,000 pensioners who are eligible for two national pensions will continue to receive both, provided they stem from different insurance rights. The reform aims to provide greater financial security for surviving spouses.