Best Pension Lawyers in Thivais

About Pension Law in Thivais, Greece

Pension law in Thivais operates under the national Greek social security system. The competent authority for almost all pension matters is the Single Social Security Entity known as e-EFKA. People who live or work in the Thivais area are served by local and regional e-EFKA offices and can also use the nationwide Citizens Service Centers known as KEP to submit applications or book appointments. Pension entitlements are governed by national legislation, so the rules in Thivais are the same as elsewhere in Greece, with local offices handling applications, evidence gathering, and decisions.

Greece provides several pension types. The main categories are old-age pensions, disability pensions, and survivors pensions. Many workers are also insured for a supplementary pension and, in some cases, a lump-sum benefit. The main pension typically consists of a national component and a contributory component that depends on years of insurance and earnings. Special rules apply to heavy-and-unhealthy occupations, cross-border careers, and periods of military service or child-raising that may be recognized under specific conditions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if your pension application is denied or significantly delayed. A lawyer can review the decision, identify missing evidence, and prepare an administrative appeal within the strict time limits that apply. Many disputes arise from gaps in insurance records, overlapping insurance in different former funds, or miscalculation of contributions and earnings. Legal support helps present payroll records, insurance booklets, tax data, and sworn translations where needed.

People with mixed insurance paths, for example time in IKA, OAEE, OGA, or former sectoral funds that are now part of e-EFKA, often face complex calculation and eligibility issues. A lawyer can map your entire insurance history, request official extracts, and ensure all periods are credited correctly, including service in another EU or EEA state or in a country with a bilateral social security agreement.

For disability pensions, a lawyer can prepare your case for KEPA medical assessment, collect medical documentation, and challenge a KEPA rating if you believe it underestimates your disability. Survivors pensions and benefits for dependent children can also require legal guidance, especially when there is a previous divorce, shared custody, or questions about duration of marriage.

If e-EFKA finds that you owe contributions or if your pension is offset for debts, a lawyer can negotiate payment arrangements, contest unlawful offsets, and protect essential income. Lawyers also assist with post-decision issues such as retroactive payments, annual indexation, reductions when working after retirement, and taxation matters affecting net pension amounts.

Local Laws Overview

Pension rights in Thivais are determined by national laws, most notably the social security reforms introduced by Law 4387-2016 and amended by later laws including Law 4670-2020. These laws unified most former funds under e-EFKA, set a two-part structure for the main pension, and standardized retirement ages with certain exceptions. EU Regulations 883-2004 and 987-2009 coordinate social security for people who worked in multiple EU-EEA countries or Switzerland.

Retirement age is generally 67 with a minimum insurance period, or 62 with a longer career. Specific categories such as heavy-and-unhealthy occupations, long insurance careers, parents of children with disabilities, and people with certified disabilities may qualify under different thresholds. The main pension has two elements. The national part depends on years of insurance and residency in Greece. The contributory part is calculated using average pensionable earnings and statutory accrual rates. Annual indexation applies when provided by law.

Supplementary pensions and lump-sum benefits for certain sectors are also administered by e-EFKA. Self-employed people choose contribution classes under the current framework, and farmers previously insured with OGA are now included in e-EFKA rules. Debts to social security can affect pension award and payment. The law provides for debt arrangements subject to thresholds and conditions.

Disability pensions rely on medical assessment by KEPA. A legally defined disability percentage is required, with different levels for partial or full disability. Survivors pensions are available to eligible spouses or partners and dependent children, subject to age, study, or disability conditions. Working after retirement is allowed, but the pension may be reduced while you work, with exceptions for certain categories. Exact conditions and rates are set in law and can change, so each case should be checked against the current rules.

Administrative procedure is formal. e-EFKA issues a written decision that explains appeal rights. Objections or appeals usually have short deadlines, often around 60 days, but you must follow the exact deadline on your decision letter. After an internal appeal, cases can proceed to the competent Administrative Court. Documents in foreign languages typically require official translations. Data protection rights allow you to access your insurance file and request corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who manages pensions for residents of Thivais

e-EFKA is the competent authority for main, supplementary, and lump-sum pensions. Local and regional e-EFKA offices serve the Thivais area. KEP centers can help with applications, appointments, and guidance. KEPA handles medical assessments for disability-related claims.

What types of pensions are available

There are three core types. Old-age pensions based on age and insurance time. Disability pensions based on certified disability and insurance conditions. Survivors pensions for eligible spouses or partners and dependent children. Many workers also have supplementary pension coverage, and some are entitled to a lump-sum on retirement.

When can I retire

Standard retirement is at 67 with a minimum insurance period, or at 62 with a long insurance record. Certain categories have special rules, including heavy-and-unhealthy work and certified disability. The exact age and years you need depend on your insurance path and the periods you can recognize or buy back. A lawyer or a qualified advisor can calculate the earliest lawful date for your case.

How is the main pension calculated

The main pension has a national component and a contributory component. The national component depends primarily on years of insurance and lawful residence. The contributory component is based on your average pensionable earnings and total years of insurance, multiplied by statutory accrual rates. Annual adjustments may apply by law.

What documents will I need to apply

You will typically need identification and AMKA, proof of insurance periods such as payroll records or insurance booklets, certificates of service for public service or military service if relevant, tax documents showing earnings, banking details for payment, and for special categories medical or family status documents. If you worked abroad, you will need official records from the foreign institution and, where required, sworn translations.

What if my insurance record is missing periods or shows errors

You can request a detailed extract of your insurance record and submit evidence such as employment contracts, pay slips, stamps, or tax data to fill gaps. If e-EFKA does not accept your evidence, you can file an administrative objection within the stated deadline. Legal assistance is often crucial to gather the right documents and present them properly.

How do disability pensions work

KEPA evaluates your medical condition and assigns a disability percentage. Eligibility and the amount paid depend on that percentage, your insurance time, and your earnings. If you disagree with the KEPA rating, you can request a review or appeal within the legal deadlines. Medical files, specialist reports, and compliant documentation are essential.

Can I count work done in another country

Yes. EU rules allow the aggregation of insurance periods from other EU-EEA states and Switzerland. Greece also has bilateral agreements with several non-EU countries. Each country pays its portion according to its laws, and your Greek pension is calculated based on your Greek insurance plus any aggregated periods needed to meet minimum thresholds.

How long does the pension process take

Timeframes vary with workload, complexity of your insurance history, and whether you have foreign periods or a disability assessment. Straightforward claims can be processed faster, while mixed insurance or cross-border cases take longer. You can monitor your file through e-EFKA services or KEP and request updates. A lawyer can help expedite missing evidence and follow up on pending actions.

Can I work after I start getting a pension

Working after retirement is allowed, but your pension may be reduced while you have employment or self-employment income, subject to exemptions and special categories. You must notify e-EFKA about your work. The rules and reduction rates are set by law and can change, so check the current framework before you start working.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA - Single Social Security Entity. The national authority for main, supplementary, and lump-sum pensions, with local and regional offices serving Thivais and the wider Boeotia area.

KEPA - Centers for the Certification of Disability. The official body for medical assessments used in disability pensions and related benefits.

KEP - Citizens Service Centers. Public service hubs that assist with submissions to e-EFKA, appointments, and guidance on required documents.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Sets national social security policy and issues circulars that interpret pension laws.

Greek Ombudsman - Social Protection Department. Independent authority that can examine maladministration in pension cases after you have used the ordinary administrative channels.

Public Employment Service known as DYPA. Can provide unemployment documentation and certain certificates relevant to insurance credits and timelines.

OPEKA - Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity. Administers social benefits that may interact with disability status or family circumstances.

Local Bar Association. A resource to locate lawyers who handle pension and administrative law cases in the Thivais region.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal and timeline. Note your desired retirement date or the effective date of disability or bereavement. Deadlines in pension law are strict, so keep all decision letters and envelopes that show notification dates.

Collect your insurance and employment evidence. Gather payroll records, insurance booklets, employment contracts, tax documents, proof of military service, and any certificates from former funds. If you worked abroad, request official insurance statements from the foreign institution and prepare sworn translations where required.

Obtain your latest insurance record from e-EFKA. Compare it to your personal documentation to identify gaps or errors. Ask e-EFKA to correct the record and submit supporting evidence.

Prepare and file your application. You can submit through e-EFKA services or via KEP. Ensure your application is complete, with all annexes and bank details, to reduce delays.

If you receive an unfavorable decision, act quickly. File an administrative objection within the stated deadline on your decision letter. A lawyer can draft focused legal grounds, add missing evidence, and monitor the committee review.

Consider legal representation. A lawyer experienced in pensions can calculate your eligibility, plan buy-backs or recognitions, handle KEPA procedures, coordinate cross-border periods, and represent you in appeals before e-EFKA and the Administrative Courts.

Keep copies and a communication log. Save every submission receipt, registry number, medical report, and written response. Record dates and names from calls or visits. Good record-keeping often decides the outcome.

Review tax and post-award issues. Confirm how taxation, health contributions, and any work after retirement will affect your net pension. Adjust your plans accordingly and update e-EFKA about changes in status.