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Pension law in Elliniko is governed by the national Greek social security system and by rules that apply across the Attica region. The main public authority that administers pensions is the Unified Social Security Fund - EFKA - which manages contributions, eligibility and payments for most employees and self-employed persons. In addition to public, state-run pensions there are occupational and private pension schemes. Local municipal services and regional EFKA offices in the Attica area provide front-line assistance, while legal disputes are handled through administrative review procedures and, if needed, the administrative courts. Pension rights are determined by contribution history, type of employment, age, and special categories such as disability or survivor status.
People often need a lawyer for pension matters when the case involves complex entitlement questions, disputes over contribution records, incorrect pension calculations, denial of benefits, or delays in payment. Lawyers are also consulted for appeals after an administrative decision, for survivor and disability claims, and for cross-border issues when an individual has worked in more than one EU country or in countries with bilateral agreements with Greece. If an employer failed to declare or pay contributions, or if there are tax issues affecting pension payments, legal help can protect your rights and navigate procedural deadlines.
Key legal features relevant to pensions in Elliniko reflect national legislation and EU coordination rules. Important points to understand include:
- Eligibility and retirement age - retirement age and contribution requirements depend on your date of birth, years of contributions and the category of employment. There are provisions for early retirement in certain sectors, and special regimes for hazardous occupations and public servants.
- Contribution-based calculation - modern Greek pension rules use contributions and insured earnings to calculate entitlement. Reforms in recent years shifted the system toward contribution-related calculations rather than only final-salary formulas.
- Types of pension - main categories include old-age pensions, disability pensions, survivor pensions and social/minimum pensions for people with insufficient contributions.
- Health coverage and ancillary benefits - pension contributions typically give access to public healthcare and certain benefits administered locally.
- Taxation - pension income is subject to Greek income tax rules, with personal allowances and progressive tax rates affecting net income.
- Appeals and remedies - if you disagree with a pension decision you generally must follow administrative review processes and, where needed, bring claims before administrative courts. Strict time limits and procedural formalities apply.
- Cross-border rules - EU coordination rules and international agreements can preserve pension rights accrued in multiple countries and affect the application and calculation of benefits.
Applications are usually submitted to EFKA through its local office or the national myEFKA online portal. You must provide identity documents, tax number, proof of employment and contribution records, and any documents proving special status - for example military service records or disability certificates. Local municipal offices can advise on where to submit the application if you are uncertain.
Typical documents include payslips, employer declarations, social security contribution statements, your employment contract, and any certificates of service from employers. If you worked abroad, you should obtain equivalent contribution records from the foreign authority and, when necessary, certified translations or an apostille for official documents.
Pension calculation depends on the type of pension, the total insurance contributions you have paid, your average insured earnings and the length of your insurance record. Recent reforms emphasize contribution-based calculations, so longer contribution histories and higher declared earnings generally increase pension entitlement. Exact formulas can be technical, so a specialist can estimate expected amounts.
Retirement age depends on your date of birth, career type and contribution period. There are different retirement ages for general employees, self-employed people and public servants, and there are provisions for early retirement in certain occupations. Because rules change over time, check your specific situation with EFKA or a pensions lawyer to confirm the applicable age and requirements.
Yes, in many cases pensioners can continue to work. However, continuing employment can affect pension payments depending on the pension type, whether you are receiving a full or partial pension, and applicable contribution obligations. Additional earnings may also affect taxation. Clarify the rules for your situation before combining work and pension income.
If you receive an adverse decision, request a written explanation and the applicable administrative decision. You will usually have the opportunity to request an internal review or file an appeal within strict time limits. A lawyer can help prepare the appeal, gather missing evidence, and represent you in administrative proceedings or court if necessary.
You can request an official contribution statement from EFKA or use available online services to view your insurance record. Keep personal copies of payslips and employment documents. If you detect gaps, you may need employer confirmations or court action to correct the record.
Survivor pensions may be payable to eligible spouses and dependent children based on the deceased person's insurance record. Conditions and amounts vary - for example, eligibility can depend on the duration of the marriage, the age and financial status of the survivor, and specific statutory rules. You should notify EFKA promptly and provide the death certificate and relevant documents to claim survivor benefits.
Yes, pension income is subject to Greek income tax. Taxation depends on total annual income, allowances and deductions. Some pensions may be subject to specific withholding rules. For precise tax planning and to avoid surprises, consult a tax advisor or lawyer familiar with Greek pension taxation.
If you worked in more than one EU country, EU coordination rules allow you to total insurance periods to determine eligibility for pensions, and each country pays the pension it is responsible for based on periods insured there. Bilateral agreements with non-EU countries may provide similar protections. Collect contribution records from each country and discuss the situation with EFKA or a specialist in cross-border pensions.
Helpful local and national resources include the EFKA offices and their information services, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs which sets pension policy, and Citizen Service Centres - KEP - that can help with paperwork. For disputes and oversight, the Greek Ombudsman and administrative courts are relevant. If you need legal assistance, contact the Athens Bar Association for referrals to experienced pensions lawyers in the Attica area. Municipal social services in Elliniko-Argyroupoli and local pensioners associations can also provide guidance and practical support. Finally, university legal clinics and legal aid schemes may offer free or low-cost assistance when you meet eligibility criteria.
1. Gather your documents - passport or ID, tax number, employment contracts, payslips and any EFKA correspondence. Include evidence of special circumstances such as disability or caregiver responsibilities.
2. Request an official contribution statement from EFKA and review it for gaps or errors. Keep copies of all correspondence.
3. If you have questions about eligibility or amounts, schedule a consultation with a pensions lawyer or a qualified adviser. Prepare a clear timeline of your work history and a list of specific questions.
4. If you receive a negative decision, act quickly - administrative appeals and judicial remedies have strict time limits. A lawyer can advise on the best procedural route and represent you in appeals.
5. Consider tax and healthcare impacts - consult a tax professional and verify health coverage entitlements linked to pension status.
6. Keep detailed records of all interactions with authorities and employers, and maintain copies of submitted applications and receipts. Timely action and organized documentation improve your chances of a successful outcome.
