Best Retirement Lawyers in Arta

About Retirement Law in Arta, Greece

Retirement in Arta follows national Greek social security rules, so the same framework applies across the country. The main institution is the Hellenic Single Social Security Entity known as e-EFKA, which administers old-age, disability, and survivor pensions for employees, self-employed professionals, and farmers. Supplementary pensions and lump-sum benefits are also part of the system, with newer insured persons often covered by the auxiliary defined contribution fund known as TEKA. Applications can be filed online through e-EFKA or in person at local service points in Arta, and medical disability assessments are handled by KEPA, the national disability certification center.

Greek pensions generally combine a national component set by law and a contributory component based on your lifetime insurance history and earnings. Standard retirement pathways are tied to age and years of insurance, with specific provisions for heavy-and-hazardous occupations, disability, and survivor benefits. EU coordination rules allow aggregation of insurance periods completed in other EU and EEA countries, and Greece also applies bilateral agreements with some non-EU states.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Although many people can submit straightforward applications without legal help, a lawyer can be critical when your situation is complex or a decision is disputed. Common scenarios include mixed careers across different former funds or sectors, work in more than one country where periods must be aggregated, missing insurance days or employer reporting errors, questions about heavy-and-hazardous classification, recognition of military service or child-rearing periods, disability pension claims that require KEPA evidence and appeals, survivor pensions where eligibility and duration are disputed, debts to social security that affect pension award or offsets, and post-retirement employment rules that reduce or suspend benefits. A lawyer who knows retirement law in Arta can prepare your file, track deadlines, represent you before e-EFKA, KEPA, and the administrative courts, and negotiate with the debt collection unit if contributions are unpaid.

Local Laws Overview

Retirement rules are national, but it helps to know the key features and how they work locally in Arta. For an old-age pension, the general rule is eligibility at 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, or at 62 with 40 years for a full pension. Some categories may access a reduced pension at 62 if minimum years are met, subject to a permanent reduction. Heavy-and-hazardous occupations and certain protected categories may qualify under different thresholds. Public sector and special occupations have tailored rules that still apply under the unified system.

Pension amounts have two parts. The national component is set by statute and adjusted periodically. The contributory component depends on total credited insurance time and insured earnings. Periods from different former funds are unified under e-EFKA. Supplementary pensions are paid if you contributed to an auxiliary scheme. For those insured from 2022 onward in auxiliary insurance, TEKA manages a personal account model for the supplementary part.

Applications can be filed digitally or at a local e-EFKA office in Arta. For disability pensions, medical assessment is carried out by KEPA and expressed as a percentage of disability, which influences eligibility and the rate of benefits. If e-EFKA issues a decision you disagree with, you can file an administrative objection within the deadline stated in the notification, often a short period such as 60 days. If the objection is rejected or not answered in time, you can pursue a judicial appeal before the competent administrative court. Local Citizen Service Centers known as KEP in Arta can help with forms and appointments.

Working after retirement is allowed in many cases, but a percentage reduction typically applies to pensions while you have insured employment or self-employment, and current contributions are still due. The exact reduction and exemptions can change, so check the current rate at the time you plan to work. Taxation of pensions follows national income tax rules, and health coverage continues through the pension, with dependents potentially covered under the retiree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard retirement age and years of insurance for Greece?

As a general rule, you can claim an old-age pension at 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, or at 62 with 40 years for a full pension. Some categories may access a reduced pension at 62 with a permanent reduction applied. Special thresholds can apply to heavy-and-hazardous work, disability, and certain public sector roles.

Can I retire earlier if I worked in heavy-and-hazardous occupations?

Yes, some heavy-and-hazardous occupations have lower age and service thresholds. Eligibility depends on the exact classification and how many days you were insured under the heavy-and-hazardous category. Because classification and counting rules are technical, it is wise to have a lawyer or experienced adviser review your work record.

I live in Arta but worked in another EU country. Will those years count?

Yes. Under EU coordination rules, Greece can aggregate insurance periods from other EU and EEA countries to help you meet minimum qualifying periods. Each country still pays its own share based on the time you paid there. You must declare foreign insurance when you apply and provide certificates from the other country.

How do I apply for a pension in Arta?

You can apply online through e-EFKA or submit an application at a local e-EFKA office in Arta. KEP can help you book appointments and assemble documents. Keep copies of all submissions and obtain a protocol number for your file. If you have disability claims, you will also be referred to KEPA for medical assessment.

What documents will I need?

Typically you need identification, social security numbers, proof of insurance periods such as employment records or contributions, certificates for military service or child-rearing periods if applicable, bank details for payment, and civil status documents for survivor or family-dependent claims. For disability cases, medical reports and prior KEPA assessments are required. Foreign documents may need official translations and authentication.

Can I work after I start receiving a pension?

Yes, but your pension is typically reduced by a percentage while you are employed or self-employed, and current contributions apply. There are limited exemptions. The exact reduction rate can change, so confirm with e-EFKA before starting any work to avoid overpayments and penalties.

What happens if I have unpaid social security contributions?

Unpaid contributions can delay or reduce pension payment. In many cases you can enter an installment plan so the pension can be awarded with part of the debt offset from monthly benefits. There are limits on how much debt can be carried into retirement. Speak with e-EFKA or a lawyer promptly to explore settlement or installment options.

How are disability pensions decided and what is KEPA?

KEPA is the national medical board that certifies disability percentages. Your eligibility and pension rate depend on the certified disability and your insurance history. If you disagree with a KEPA decision, you can request a reassessment and later challenge the administrative decision through the objection process and the courts.

How do survivor pensions work for spouses or children?

Survivor pensions are paid to eligible spouses, partners in civil union, and children under specific conditions. The amount is a percentage of the deceased person’s pension or pension rights and is subject to age, duration, and income rules. A surviving spouse’s duration of benefit can depend on their age at the time of death and family circumstances. Documentation of marriage or civil union and family status is required.

How long does it take to receive a pension and is there retroactive payment?

Processing times vary with the complexity of your case and workload at e-EFKA. Simple cases can be faster, while cases with foreign periods or missing records may take longer. When approved, pensions are usually paid retroactively from the legally defined entitlement date, often the month after application or the date you met all conditions, depending on the case.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA local service points in Arta handle applications, updates, and guidance on contributions and benefits. KEP in Arta can assist with forms, appointments, and document certifications. KEPA handles disability certifications for disability pension cases. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs issues policy and guidance on retirement. DYPA can provide records for periods of registered unemployment and training that may affect your file. The Hellenic Ombudsman can help with maladministration complaints. The Arta Bar Association can help you find a lawyer experienced in social security and retirement law.

Next Steps

Start by listing your work history, including employers, dates, and any periods of self-employment or agricultural work. Gather key documents such as IDs, social security numbers, contribution statements, employment contracts or attestations, military service records, family status certificates, and any foreign insurance certificates. If disability is involved, collect medical records and previous KEPA decisions. Visit e-EFKA in Arta or use the online portal to verify your recorded insurance periods and correct any gaps before you apply. If you have debts, discuss installment options early so your pension is not blocked.

If your case is straightforward, apply through e-EFKA and track your application number. If your case is complex or a decision is negative or unclear, consult a local lawyer who handles retirement cases. Ask for a written strategy, a list of needed documents, timelines, and a cost estimate. Be mindful of deadlines for objections and appeals, which can be short. If needed, your lawyer can represent you before e-EFKA, KEPA, and the administrative courts serving Arta. Keep copies of all documents and communications so you can respond quickly to any requests and protect your rights.