Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Thivais

About Social Security Disability Law in Thivais, Greece

In Greece, disability support is provided through two main pillars. First is the social insurance system, administered by the Single Social Security Entity known as e-EFKA, which pays disability pensions to insured workers who become unable to work. Second is the social welfare system, administered by OPEKA, which provides non-contributory disability allowances to eligible residents based on medical criteria and, for some programs, income or residency criteria. Medical disability status and the official disability percentage are certified by KEPA, the Disability Certification Centers, using the Unified Disability Percentage Table. In Thivais and the wider Boeotia region, applications can be initiated online or through local public service points, including Citizens Service Centers known as KEP, with medical evaluations scheduled by KEPA in the nearest available assessment unit.

The term Social Security Disability is often used informally to describe these Greek mechanisms. Eligibility, benefit levels, and rights depend on the type of support sought, your insurance record, your medically certified disability percentage, and your personal situation. Because rules differ between a contributory disability pension and a non-contributory disability allowance, it is important to identify the correct route before applying.

This guide provides practical information for residents of Thivais, Greece who are seeking to understand their options, prepare an application, or challenge a decision about disability pensions or benefits.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Applying for or defending disability benefits can become complex. A lawyer experienced in Greek disability matters can help you determine which benefit fits your situation, assemble strong medical and administrative evidence, and protect your rights if a decision is unfavorable. Many people seek legal help in the following situations.

You may need help preparing your initial application to e-EFKA for a disability pension or to OPEKA for a disability allowance, especially when medical evidence is scattered across different providers or older records must be retrieved. You may want guidance for your KEPA medical assessment, including what documentation to bring and how to present the functional impact of your condition. If KEPA assigns a disability percentage lower than you believe is accurate, or if a benefit is denied or reduced, a lawyer can prepare an administrative objection and, if needed, an appeal to the administrative courts within strict deadlines stated on the decision notice.

Legal support can be important if your disability percentage is set for a limited period and a review is approaching, if e-EFKA alleges an overpayment, if your condition relates to an accident at work with possible employer liability, or if you are coordinating Greek rights with periods of insurance earned in another EU or EEA country. A lawyer can also advise on related matters such as tax relief linked to disability percentage, municipal fee reductions, or the effect of limited work activity on your benefits.

Local Laws Overview

Greek disability benefits are governed by a set of national laws and administrative rules that apply across the country, including Thivais. Key elements include the social insurance framework for disability pensions under e-EFKA and the social welfare framework for disability allowances under OPEKA. KEPA conducts medical evaluations using the Unified Disability Percentage Table to assign an official disability percentage and a duration of validity. Many rights are triggered at specific thresholds, most commonly 50 percent, 67 percent, and 80 percent.

Disability pensions from e-EFKA are contributory. Eligibility typically requires that you have an adequate number of days of insurance and that KEPA has certified a sufficient level of work incapacity, often at or above 67 percent for a general disability pension. Alternative rules may apply in cases of accident at work or occupational disease. The pension amount is calculated based on your pensionable earnings and the degree of disability set by law. Some beneficiaries may receive supplements for dependent family members if conditions are met.

Disability allowances from OPEKA are non-contributory and target individuals with specific disabilities or functional limitations. Many programs require a KEPA disability percentage at or above a threshold, and some are subject to income or residency conditions. Each allowance has its own eligibility rules and documentation requirements. Awards can be indefinite or time-limited, with periodic re-examinations.

Procedurally, KEPA issues a primary decision after medical review. If you disagree, you may file an administrative objection requesting re-examination by a higher medical committee. Deadlines are strict and stated on the decision letter. After exhausting administrative review, you may file a judicial appeal before the administrative courts within the applicable time limit. While an appeal is pending, temporary measures or provisional payments may be available in limited circumstances based on the type of benefit and the stage of the case.

Other rights connected to disability status may apply, such as tax relief, discounts or exemptions on certain municipal fees, and access to health coverage enhancements. EU rules on coordination of social security, particularly Regulation 883-2004, may allow you to aggregate insurance periods from other EU or EEA states for entitlement to Greek pensions or health coverage. Data protection and medical confidentiality rules apply to your file, and you have the right to access your case documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a disability for Greek benefits

In Greece, disability is assessed by KEPA based on medical evidence and the Unified Disability Percentage Table. KEPA assigns a disability percentage and a duration. Benefits are tied to thresholds, most commonly at or above 67 percent for many pensions or allowances and 80 percent for certain additional rights. The functional impact on work capacity is central for pensions, while diagnosis and functional criteria matter for allowances.

What is KEPA and how does the assessment work

KEPA is the national system of Disability Certification Centers. After you apply for a pension or allowance, you receive a call for a KEPA evaluation. You submit medical reports and attend an examination. A committee reviews your file, may examine you, and issues an official decision stating your disability percentage and the validity period. Keep copies of everything you submit and the final decision.

How do I apply for a disability pension from e-EFKA

You can file an application online or through a local e-EFKA branch or a KEP office. You will be scheduled for KEPA certification. You must provide identity documents, proof of insurance history, and medical evidence. If approved, the pension amount is calculated based on your insured earnings and the degree of disability. Processing times vary and can take several months.

How do I apply for a disability allowance from OPEKA

Applications can be submitted online or through KEP or OPEKA service points. Eligibility depends on the specific allowance. KEPA certification is usually required, and some programs are income tested. The decision states the payment amount and duration. If you already have a valid KEPA decision, include it in your application.

What documents should I prepare

Prepare a valid ID, social security number, proof of residence, insurance record if applying for a pension, recent specialist medical reports, hospital discharge summaries, diagnostic test results, and any rehabilitation or therapy records. Documents should be up to date and clearly show diagnosis, severity, and functional limitations. Bring originals and copies.

How long does the process take

Time frames vary by workload and the need for medical evaluation. It is common for the full process to take several months from application to first payment. Re-examination scheduling can also take time. Delays can be reduced by submitting complete and legible documentation at the outset.

Can I work while receiving disability benefits

It depends on the benefit and the degree of disability. Limited or adapted work may be compatible with some benefits, but you must comply with reporting duties and income limits where applicable. Unreported work or exceeding permitted limits can lead to suspension, reduction, or overpayment recovery. Seek advice before starting work.

What if KEPA sets a lower disability percentage than I need

You may file an administrative objection to request re-examination by a higher KEPA committee. The deadline and procedure are specified on the decision notice and are strictly applied. If the administrative route does not resolve the issue, you can pursue a judicial appeal in the administrative courts.

Will my benefits be backdated

Backdating rules depend on the benefit. For pensions, payment may start from the month following the application or from the date disability arose if the law allows and the evidence supports it. For allowances, backdating is usually limited to specific periods tied to the application date and KEPA decision. Submit your application as early as possible to protect your dates.

Do foreign medical records or EU insurance periods count

Yes. You can submit foreign medical records with certified translations. For pensions, EU social security coordination allows aggregation of insurance periods from other EU or EEA states. The Greek authority will liaise with the foreign institution. Provide accurate information about your work history abroad when you apply.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA - The Single Social Security Entity responsible for disability pensions, contributions, and insurance records. Local and regional branches serve applicants from Thivais, and online services are available nationwide.

OPEKA - The Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity responsible for disability allowances and family support benefits. Applications are accepted online and through service points and KEP.

KEPA - Disability Certification Centers that assess and certify disability percentages based on the Unified Disability Percentage Table and issue decisions required for most benefits.

KEP - Citizens Service Centers that provide assistance with applications, document submission, and appointments for many public services, including e-EFKA and OPEKA procedures.

National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities - ESAMEA - A national umbrella organization that offers information, advocacy, and support to persons with disabilities and their families.

Greek Ombudsman - An independent authority that can examine complaints about maladministration in public bodies, including delays or procedural issues in benefits processing.

Local Bar Association in Boeotia - Lawyers practicing in and around Thivais can provide legal advice, assist with applications and appeals, and represent you before KEPA and the administrative courts.

Public Hospitals and EOPYY contracted providers - Sources for medical evaluations, specialist reports, and diagnostic tests required for KEPA assessments.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether you are applying for a disability pension from e-EFKA, a disability allowance from OPEKA, or both. Each has different criteria and documentation.

Gather evidence. Collect recent specialist reports, hospital records, imaging and laboratory results, rehabilitation notes, and prescriptions. Make sure reports describe functional limitations clearly. Keep copies of everything.

Start your application. File online if possible or visit a KEP or local e-EFKA or OPEKA service point in or near Thivais. Request a receipt showing the date you applied and the documents submitted.

Prepare for KEPA. When called, bring your medical file and identification. Be ready to explain how your condition affects daily activities and work capacity. Ask for a copy of the KEPA decision when issued and check the percentage and validity period.

Protect deadlines. If you disagree with a KEPA decision or a benefit determination, read the notice carefully. Objection and appeal deadlines are short and strictly applied. File on time even if your file is not perfect, and supplement later as allowed.

Consider legal help. Consult a lawyer experienced in disability matters to assess your case, identify missing evidence, draft objections or appeals, and represent you before KEPA and the courts. Low income applicants may be eligible for legal aid under applicable Greek law.

Coordinate related rights. Ask about tax relief linked to disability percentage, municipal fee reductions, health coverage, and potential transport or housing supports. These may require the same KEPA decision.

Keep records. Maintain a file with all applications, decisions, medical documents, and proof of submission. Note dates of applications, examinations, and deadlines. This record is vital if you need to appeal or renew.

Important note. This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change, and individual circumstances matter. For tailored guidance in Thivais, seek advice from a qualified lawyer or a competent public service office.