Best Pension Lawyers in Arta

About Pension Law in Arta, Greece

Pensions in Arta operate under the national Greek social security framework, so the same rules that apply across Greece apply to residents of Arta. Administration is centralized through the Unified Social Security Fund known as e-EFKA, with local branches and service points that handle applications, questions, and payments. Because Arta has a mix of salaried employees, self-employed professionals, and a significant agricultural community, people often deal with different insurance categories that were historically managed by separate funds. Today these have been unified under e-EFKA for main pensions, with auxiliary pensions and welfare benefits coordinated through the same system or related public bodies.

In practical terms, most retirees in Arta will engage with the local e-EFKA office or a Citizen Service Center known as KEP to submit applications or obtain certificates. The core features of the Greek pension system include the national pension component and a contributory component based on lifetime insurance periods and earnings, as well as auxiliary pensions for those who contributed to the auxiliary scheme. Disability and survivor pensions are also available subject to specific conditions. Procedures and deadlines are governed by national laws including the major reforms introduced by Law 4387-2016 and subsequent amendments such as Law 4670-2020.

This guide is informational and does not replace personalized legal advice. Pension outcomes depend on individual facts such as years of insurance, type of work, debts to social insurance, health status, and family circumstances.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer with experience in pension law can be critical when eligibility, calculation, or documentation is complex. Common situations include disputes over the recognition of insurance periods, especially when time was accrued in different former funds or in different countries, errors in contribution records, and questions about early retirement or classification in heavy and unhealthy occupations. Lawyers regularly assist with disability pension applications where the medical and legal criteria must be presented clearly for assessment by the disability certification authority, and with survivor pensions where duration and entitlement rules depend on age, work status, and family composition.

Other reasons to seek counsel include dealing with unpaid contributions and installments managed by the Center for the Collection of Social Security Debts known as KEAO, offsets of pension amounts against debts, recalculation after legislative changes, appealing adverse decisions, and tax or health contribution issues deducted from pensions. If you are a public sector employee or belong to a special category with a lump-sum or auxiliary benefit, a lawyer can help ensure all entitlements are claimed. Representation is also useful if your case goes before the administrative appeals bodies or the administrative courts.

Local Laws Overview

Administration and coverage. Main pensions are administered by e-EFKA, which unified most previous funds including those for private sector employees, the self-employed, and farmers. Auxiliary pensions that were administered by ETEAEP have been integrated under e-EFKA. Welfare benefits for uninsured older persons are handled by OPEKA. Disability certification is performed by the Disability Certification Center known as KEPA. Arta residents use the local e-EFKA and KEP offices for in-person service, with most applications also available digitally through e-EFKA systems.

Retirement age and types. Under current national rules, a full old-age pension is generally available at age 67 with at least 15 years of insurance. An alternative path allows retirement at age 62 with 40 years of insurance. Reduced old-age pensions may be available earlier under specific conditions, usually with a reduction factor. Special categories exist for heavy and unhealthy occupations and for certain protected groups, subject to detailed criteria. Public sector employees and some professions may have additional or transitional rules depending on first insurance date and category.

Pension calculation. The main pension consists of a national pension amount plus a contributory component based on the average of insured earnings and total years of insurance. Accrual rates increase with longer insurance periods, with improved coefficients for those exceeding 30 years as provided by recent reforms. The exact amounts depend on lifetime contributions and the applicable legal coefficients when the pension is awarded. Auxiliary pensions are calculated separately based on auxiliary contributions and the rules in force for the relevant periods.

Disability pensions. Disability pensions require a certified disability percentage from KEPA. The level of benefit depends on the degree of disability, insurance history, and whether the disability is categorized as general, work-related, or special. Certifications have validity periods and must be renewed unless declared permanent by KEPA, and there are specific documentation and medical evidence requirements.

Survivor pensions. Survivor pensions can be payable to a spouse, children, and in some cases to other dependents, subject to age, study, disability, or dependency conditions. The percentage of the deceased person’s pension that is payable to survivors and the duration of entitlement depend on national rules that have been reformed in recent years. Time limits apply for filing claims.

Contributions and debts. Employees have contributions withheld and paid by employers to e-EFKA. Self-employed persons and farmers choose or are assigned contribution categories and pay monthly. Unpaid contributions can be collected by KEAO and can affect both eligibility and the start of payment of benefits. Installment plans may be available, and in some cases debts can be offset against pension arrears within legal limits.

Tax and health contributions. Pensions are subject to personal income tax withholding. A health contribution is withheld in favor of EOPYY on main and auxiliary pensions. Rates and tax brackets can change, so current year information should be confirmed.

Coordination with other countries. EU regulations provide for the aggregation of insurance periods completed in different EU-EEA countries and Switzerland, with benefits prorated by each country. Bilateral agreements may apply for other countries. Applications can be filed in Arta for foreign periods, and e-EFKA coordinates with foreign institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages pensions in Arta and where do I apply

Pensions are managed by e-EFKA. You can submit applications online through e-EFKA’s digital services or in person at the local e-EFKA branch or a Citizen Service Center known as KEP in Arta. KEP can receive and forward applications and provide certificates, while e-EFKA makes the decision and handles payments.

What are the general retirement ages for a full pension

As a general rule a full old-age pension is available at age 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, or at age 62 with 40 years of insurance. Exceptions and reduced pensions may apply for specific categories such as heavy and unhealthy occupations or certain protected groups. Transitional provisions may affect those who first insured many years ago.

How is my main pension calculated

The main pension has two parts. The national pension is a fixed amount that depends on insurance years, with the full amount granted after a threshold period and proportionally reduced if you have the minimum years. The contributory pension is based on your average insured earnings and total insurance years, using legal accrual rates that increase with more years of insurance. When your pension is awarded, e-EFKA applies the coefficients and your insured earnings history to calculate the total.

Can I combine time from different funds or from work in other countries

Yes. Time accrued under former Greek funds now unified under e-EFKA is combined. If you have worked in EU-EEA countries or Switzerland, EU rules allow aggregation of periods so you can qualify for benefits, with each country paying its share. Greece also has bilateral agreements with some non-EU countries. You should declare all foreign insurance periods when you apply and provide supporting documentation.

What documents will I need to apply for a pension

Typical documents include an identification document, tax number, social security registration number, proof of insurance periods such as employment records or contribution statements, family status certificates for survivor claims, bank account details for payment, and medical evidence for disability claims. Additional sector-specific documents may be required for public sector or special categories. KEP and e-EFKA provide current checklists.

How long does the process take and when does payment start

Processing times vary based on the complexity of the case and whether foreign periods or disability assessments are involved. Straightforward cases can be decided within a few months, while complex or cross-border cases may take longer. As a rule, pensions start from the first day of the month following the application month, subject to eligibility and debt clearance rules. Arrears are then paid from the start date once the decision issues.

What if I have unpaid contributions to e-EFKA

Unpaid contributions are managed by KEAO. Debts can affect your ability to receive pension payments until they are settled or placed into an installment plan. In some cases part of pension arrears can be offset to settle debts within legal limits. It is important to check your debt status early and arrange repayment to avoid delays.

What is an auxiliary pension and do I qualify

An auxiliary pension is a separate benefit for those who paid auxiliary insurance contributions in addition to the main insurance. If you contributed to the auxiliary scheme during your career, you may be entitled to an auxiliary pension calculated on auxiliary rules. It is claimed together with or after the main pension. Not all workers have auxiliary coverage, so eligibility depends on your insurance history.

How are disability pensions decided

Disability pensions require certification of disability by KEPA. The process involves submitting medical records, undergoing assessment, and receiving a percentage rating. The rating and your insurance history determine whether you qualify and at what level. Certifications can be for a fixed term or permanent. If you disagree with a rating, there are administrative review options and further appeal routes.

How do survivor pensions work for spouses and children

Survivor pensions are payable to eligible family members of a deceased insured person or pensioner. The percentage of the original pension that is transferred and the duration depend on national rules, which consider the spouse’s age, dependency, and the status of children such as age, study, or disability. Time limits apply to file claims, and required documents include death certificates and family status documents. Because rules have changed in recent years, it is wise to confirm the current conditions before applying.

Are pensions taxed and are there health insurance deductions

Yes. Pensions are subject to personal income tax withholding based on annual tax brackets. A health contribution in favor of EOPYY is also withheld from both main and auxiliary pensions. The applicable rates are set by law and can change. Your annual tax return will reconcile with amounts withheld.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA Local Branch in Arta. Handles pension applications, insurance records, and benefit decisions for main and auxiliary pensions.

Citizen Service Centers known as KEP in Arta. Accept and forward applications and issue many administrative certificates related to pensions.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Sets pension policy and issues implementing circulars and instructions to e-EFKA.

Disability Certification Center known as KEPA. Conducts medical assessments and issues disability ratings required for disability pensions.

Center for the Collection of Social Security Debts known as KEAO. Manages arrears and installment plans for unpaid contributions.

Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity known as OPEKA. Administers the social pension for uninsured older persons and other welfare benefits.

Greek Ombudsman. Receives complaints regarding maladministration by public bodies, including pension administration issues.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority. Relevant if you need to address issues concerning the processing of your personal data in pension files.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Determine whether you are applying for an old-age pension, an auxiliary pension, a disability pension, or a survivor pension. Check whether you seek a full or reduced pension and whether you fall under any special category.

Gather your evidence. Collect identification, tax and social security numbers, employment and contribution records, family status documents, bank details, and any medical records if applying for disability. If you worked abroad, collect certificates of foreign insurance periods.

Check your contribution record. Request or view your insurance history through e-EFKA or via assistance at the local e-EFKA or KEP. Note any gaps or discrepancies so they can be resolved early.

Address debts early. If you have unpaid contributions, contact KEAO to verify the amount and arrange a settlement or installment plan to prevent delays in payment.

File your application. Submit your application online through e-EFKA or in person at the e-EFKA branch or KEP in Arta. Keep stamped copies or electronic confirmation with submission IDs and dates.

Track your case and respond promptly. Monitor the status, provide any additional documents requested, and attend KEPA assessments if applicable. Keep a timeline of all actions and communications.

Seek legal support when needed. Engage a lawyer experienced in pension law if your case involves complex insurance periods, disability assessments, cross-border elements, debts, or if you plan to appeal a decision. Legal counsel can prepare objections, represent you in administrative appeals, and protect deadlines.

Use appeal rights. If you receive an adverse decision, file a timely objection with the competent administrative body as indicated in the decision notice, and consider further judicial review before the administrative courts if required. Deadlines are strict, so act quickly.

Plan for taxes and deductions. Anticipate income tax and health contributions on your pension and consult a tax professional if you have other income or foreign pensions.

Keep records. Maintain a complete file with applications, decisions, certificates, medical reports, and payment statements. Accurate records make future recalculations, audits, or family claims much easier.

This guide is for general information only. For advice tailored to your situation in Arta, consult a qualified lawyer or a specialized advisor familiar with Greek pension law and local procedures.