Widow's Pension Increases Up to €470 for 8,552 Beneficiaries Starting August 28

Thousands of beneficiaries in Greece are set to receive significantly higher widow's pensions starting August 28. A new regulation from the Ministry of Labor will eliminate a previous reduction applied after the first three years, restoring pensions to 70% of the deceased's original amount.

This change directly impacts 8,552 public sector beneficiaries, with an average monthly increase estimated at €470. The measure aims to provide greater financial security for surviving spouses. The total monthly fiscal cost for this adjustment is approximately €4 million.

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Widow's pensions will return to 70% of the deceased's pension, instead of the 35% that applied when the beneficiary also had their own pension or income from work.

The new provision applies to widow's pensions granted after May 13, 2016, the date the "Katsouranis law" came into effect. However, the government has stated there will be no retroactive payments for amounts that were previously cut.

Despite the positive changes for many, representatives of pensioners have voiced objections. They argue the new regulation creates a "two-tier system" by excluding individuals whose pensions originated from deaths before May 13, 2016. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the lack of similar provisions for auxiliary pensions and for recipients of pensions from the former agricultural insurance fund (OGА).

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We are creating 'two-tier pensioners'.