Greece offers dual rent support up to €1,600 for essential workers

Essential workers in Greece, including doctors, nurses, and teachers, are set to receive a significant financial boost through a dual rent subsidy program. This initiative aims to ease the burden of housing costs for those serving outside the main urban areas of Attica and Thessaloniki.

The subsidy, which mirrors a program already in place for students, will be disbursed retroactively for rent paid in 2024, with payments expected by September 25. A second, one-time payment will follow by the end of November, covering rent paid in 2025.

To ensure they benefit from this support, eligible individuals must verify that their rental agreements are correctly declared in their tax returns. Specifically, they need to check Table 6 of their E1 tax form for the rental property's information. If any details are missing or incorrect, a late, amended tax return for 2024 must be submitted by the last working day of August, without incurring penalties.

The amount of the subsidy is calculated based on the actual annual rent, generally equivalent to two months' rent. The total benefit can reach up to €1,600, with an additional €100 provided for each dependent child. For the funds to be credited directly to bank accounts, rental agreements and payments must be accurately declared, and a valid IBAN must be registered with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

This rental support is tax-free, cannot be transferred, and is protected from seizure by the state or third parties. It is also exempt from any taxes, contributions, or deductions payable to the state or the e-EFKA social security fund, ensuring recipients receive the full benefit.