Best Social Security Disability Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Social Security Disability Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Social Security Disability in Greece is administered at national level, but services are accessed locally in places like Vouliagmeni. The core system for insured workers is the national social security fund known as e-EFKA, which handles disability pensions and contributions. Medical disability is certified by KEPA, the Disability Certification Centers that determine a disability percentage and the duration of certification. For people who are uninsured or whose income and assets are limited, welfare disability benefits and allowances are provided by OPEKA. Healthcare coverage is organized through EOPYY, the national health organization. Residents of Vouliagmeni typically submit applications online or through local Citizens Service Centers known as KEP, and appointments or examinations take place in nearby Athens-based services. A lawyer is not required to apply, but legal support can be valuable when the case is complex or disputed.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may benefit from a lawyer if your condition is contested, if your insurance contribution history is complicated, or if you are facing delays or denials. Common situations include preparing complex medical evidence for KEPA, disputing the initial disability percentage, filing and arguing an administrative appeal before the secondary medical committee, or taking the case to the administrative courts after an unfavorable decision. Legal guidance is particularly helpful if you have worked in more than one EU country and need coordination of insurance periods, if you received an overpayment notice and must respond, or if you are trying to combine different supports such as an e-EFKA disability pension with OPEKA allowances. A lawyer can also help you understand strict deadlines, gather the right medical documentation, prepare for your KEPA examination, and negotiate reasonable accommodation with employers under Greek anti-discrimination rules.

Local Laws Overview

The legal framework for disability benefits in Greece includes several key elements that affect applicants in Vouliagmeni. e-EFKA was created to unify former social insurance funds and now manages disability pensions for insured persons. KEPA conducts medical evaluations and issues a certificate with a disability percentage and validity period, using the Unified Disability Assessment Table that sets percentage ranges by condition. Many benefits, tax reliefs, and allowances use disability thresholds, with 67 percent often serving as a key threshold for eligibility. OPEKA administers social welfare disability benefits and allowances for people who are uninsured or have low income or specific conditions. EOPYY manages public healthcare coverage, and a KEPA certificate can influence co-payment reductions and access to certain services. Greek anti-discrimination and labor laws require equal treatment and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in employment. Data protection rules apply to medical information. If you receive an unfavorable KEPA decision, you can request administrative reconsideration and then pursue judicial review in the administrative courts. Deadlines for objections and appeals are strict and short, so always check the exact time limit on your notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of disability benefits exist in Greece for people living in Vouliagmeni

There are two main paths. If you are insured under e-EFKA, you may qualify for a disability pension based on your contribution record and disability percentage. If you are uninsured or have low income, OPEKA provides disability-related allowances and benefits for specific conditions or degrees of disability. Separate supports include healthcare coverage via EOPYY, reduced co-payments, tax relief, and municipal services for persons with disabilities.

How do I start a disability application

Most people begin by gathering medical records from treating doctors, checking their insurance contribution record, and submitting an application to e-EFKA for a disability pension or to OPEKA for welfare disability benefits. Applications are commonly filed online or through a local KEP in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni. You will be referred to KEPA for a medical assessment that determines your disability percentage and the validity period.

What disability percentage do I need

Percentages are set by KEPA based on your medical evidence and the Unified Disability Assessment Table. Many benefits use a 67 percent threshold, but some programs have different thresholds such as 50 percent, 80 percent, or 100 percent for specific support. Your eligibility will depend on both the percentage and the type of benefit you apply for.

How long does the process take

Timelines vary by workload and the completeness of your file. After submitting your application, KEPA will schedule a medical review. The process can take several weeks to a few months. Appeals or requests for reconsideration can add additional time. Submitting clear, organized medical documentation can help avoid delays.

What evidence should I prepare for KEPA

Provide recent specialist reports, imaging and laboratory results, hospital discharge summaries, treatment plans, and any functional capacity assessments. Ensure documents are legible, up to date, and in Greek or accompanied by an accurate translation. A concise summary from your treating physician describing diagnoses, functional limitations, and prognosis is very helpful.

Can I work and still receive disability benefits

It depends on the type of benefit and the degree of disability. Some benefits allow limited work or earnings, while others may be reduced or suspended if you return to work. Always report changes in employment and income to avoid overpayments. A lawyer can advise on how employment interacts with your specific benefit.

What happens if KEPA gives me a lower percentage than expected

You can file an administrative objection and ask for a review by a secondary committee. The notification you receive will state the deadline and procedure. If the outcome remains unfavorable, you can consider filing a judicial appeal in the administrative courts. Legal representation is recommended at the appeal stage.

Will I receive back pay

Back pay is possible and generally depends on the application date, the date your disability is established, and program-specific rules. After approval, retroactive amounts are calculated according to the decision. Keep all submission receipts and decisions to confirm the correct calculation.

Can I receive both an e-EFKA disability pension and OPEKA allowances

Some benefits cannot be combined, while others may be compatible. Non-cumulative rules are common to avoid double compensation for the same need. Review the conditions of each benefit and seek advice before applying to multiple programs.

What if I have insurance periods in another EU country

Greece coordinates social security with other EU and EEA states. e-EFKA can take into account insurance periods completed abroad to assess eligibility. Provide full details of your foreign employment and contributions so the authorities can request the necessary records.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA - National social security fund that administers disability pensions for insured workers. Applications can be filed online or through local KEP offices.

KEPA - Disability Certification Centers that assess medical disability and issue the disability percentage and duration used across many programs.

OPEKA - National welfare agency that manages disability allowances and benefits for uninsured and low-income persons and for specific conditions.

EOPYY - National health organization responsible for public healthcare coverage and reimbursements.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs - Oversees social security policy, disability rights, and employment protections.

DYPA - Public employment service that offers support and programs for jobseekers with disabilities.

National Confederation of Disabled People - ESAMEA - Advocacy and information for persons with disabilities and their families.

Hellenic Ombudsman - Independent authority that receives complaints about public administration, including disability-related issues.

Municipal KEP in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni - Citizens Service Centers that assist with applications, certifications, and document submissions for national services.

Legal Aid for low-income individuals - Court-approved legal aid in administrative and civil cases for those who meet income criteria.

Next Steps

Document your situation by writing a short timeline of your work history, medical diagnoses, and treatments. Request full medical records from all treating doctors and hospitals. Confirm your insurance contribution record through e-EFKA or ask a local KEP to help you retrieve it.

Decide which benefit fits your circumstances. If you are insured, prepare to apply for an e-EFKA disability pension. If you are uninsured or your income is low, explore OPEKA disability allowances. File the application online or via KEP and keep stamped copies or submission receipts.

Prepare for the KEPA examination. Organize your documents, bring identification, and be ready to describe how your condition affects daily functioning and work capacity. If you need language assistance, arrange for an interpreter or ask a lawyer to support you.

Read your KEPA decision carefully. If approved, review the percentage, duration, and any conditions. If not approved or approved at a lower percentage than expected, note the appeal deadline and consult a lawyer promptly about an administrative objection and potential court review.

Assess other supports. Ask about healthcare coverage through EOPYY, potential tax relief based on disability percentage, municipal services, and any compatible allowances. Report any change in address, income, or health status to the relevant authority to avoid overpayments.

If you decide to hire a lawyer, bring your medical records, contribution statements, decisions, and all correspondence. Ask about fees and timelines, and agree on the specific steps to be taken before the next deadline. Timely, complete documentation is the best way to protect your rights.