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Social security in Agia Paraskevi operates under the national Greek social security system. The main public body that administers pensions, sickness benefits, unemployment support, disability recognition and contribution records is the Unified Social Security Fund - EFKA. National laws set eligibility rules, contribution requirements and benefit calculations, while local offices and municipal social services in Agia Paraskevi help residents with applications, documentation and initial information. Many procedures are handled through the e-EFKA online platform, local EFKA service points, or Citizen Service Centers - KEP.
Social security law involves administrative rules, medical assessments, contribution records and legal deadlines. You may need a lawyer when:
- Your application for a pension, disability benefit or other social security payment is denied or delayed.
- There is a dispute about employment contributions or missing records that affect your benefits.
- You face complex cross-border issues - for example, when you have worked in multiple EU countries and must combine insurance periods.
- You are a self-employed person or freelancer with unclear contribution classification or special contribution obligations.
- You need to appeal an EFKA decision, or represent yourself before administrative courts or appeal committees.
- You need help interpreting medical assessment reports or arranging independent medical evidence in disability cases.
Key legal points relevant to social security in Agia Paraskevi reflect national Greek law and EU rules where applicable. Important aspects include:
- Contribution-based eligibility - Most benefits are tied to your insured periods and contributions paid to EFKA. Pension amounts and entitlement often depend on total contributions and the category of insurance - employed, self-employed or agricultural.
- Pension types - There are various pension routes such as old-age pensions, early retirement under special regimes, disability pensions and survivors pensions. Each has specific eligibility criteria and contribution thresholds.
- Disability recognition - Medical-certification procedures determine disability status and degree. Certification is issued by accredited medical committees or KEPAs - the national disability certification centres - which assess medical evidence and functional limitations.
- Unemployment and sickness benefits - OAED administers many unemployment benefits while EFKA covers sickness and temporary disability payments for insured persons. Each program has its own application rules and required documentation.
- Administrative procedure and appeals - Decisions by EFKA or other agencies can usually be challenged through internal reconsideration procedures and then before administrative courts. Procedural deadlines and documentation requirements are important to comply with.
- EU coordination - If you have worked in other EU or EEA states, EU Regulation 883/2004 coordinates social security rights so that insurance periods in different states can be combined for entitlement purposes.
- Special provisions for non-EU nationals - Eligibility can depend on residence status and bilateral agreements. Non-EU nationals should verify entitlements early and may need legal advice to secure rights.
- Local assistance - The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi and local KEP offices provide social services and help with form-filling, but legal interpretation and representation are best handled by an experienced social security lawyer when disputes arise.
Applications are submitted to EFKA, either online via the e-EFKA portal, at your local EFKA service point or with assistance from a KEP office. You will need identity documents, employment and contribution records, and any supporting documents for special categories - for example proof of insured work abroad. A lawyer can help gather documents and prepare the application.
First, request a written explanation of the decision. You can then seek internal reconsideration or file an appeal according to the administrative procedure. Time limits apply, so contact a lawyer promptly to preserve your rights and prepare the necessary evidence and submissions.
Disability is determined by certified medical committees or disability certification centres - KEPA - which assess your medical records, functional limitations and test results. Typical evidence includes medical reports, specialist assessments, imaging or lab results and a detailed history of the condition. Legal help can assist in obtaining and presenting strong medical documentation.
Yes - EU citizens and many foreign nationals can claim rights under Greek social security if they meet contribution and residence criteria. If you worked in multiple countries, EU coordination rules may help you combine insurance periods. Non-EU nationals should confirm entitlement based on residence permits and bilateral agreements. Consulting a lawyer familiar with cross-border social security is recommended.
Missing employer contributions can affect your entitlements. You should collect payroll, employment contracts and payslips, then notify EFKA. Legal action may be needed to claim unpaid contributions - either through social security enforcement channels or labour courts. A lawyer can help assess the best route and represent you.
Timelines vary by case complexity and EFKA workload. Simple claims may be decided in weeks or months; contested or complex cases, especially those requiring medical assessment or cross-border verification, can take longer. If delays are unreasonable, legal remedies and administrative complaints can expedite the process.
There are limited legal aid programs and pro bono services through local bar associations, university legal clinics and non-profit organisations. Eligibility often depends on income and case type. Contact the Athens Bar Association or local legal clinics to explore free or reduced-cost assistance.
Bring identification, all correspondence from EFKA or OAED, payslips, employment contracts, social security numbers, medical records, disability certificates, and any notices or decisions you have received. If you have work history from abroad, bring foreign employment records and contribution statements where available.
Yes, you may represent yourself in administrative procedures and before courts. However, social security law can be technical and procedural rules are strict. Many people obtain better outcomes with a lawyer experienced in administrative and social security law, particularly for complex or high-value claims.
Look for lawyers with experience in administrative law, social security and pensions. Ask the local bar association for referrals, request a brief consultation to discuss experience and fees, and check client reviews or recommendations. Confirm language ability if you are not fluent in Greek.
Useful bodies and local resources to contact or use for information include:
- EFKA - the national body that manages social security contributions and pensions. Local EFKA service points help with applications and records.
- OAED - the national employment agency that administers unemployment benefits and employment support programs.
- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - sets social policy and legal framework for benefits and pensions.
- KEP - Citizen Service Centers in Agia Paraskevi and nearby areas for form assistance and document submission.
- KEPA - disability certification centres that issue medical disability evaluations.
- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - local social services may provide assistance and information about local support programs.
- Athens Bar Association or local bar associations - for lawyer referrals and information on legal aid.
- University legal clinics and non-profit organisations - may offer free or low-cost legal assistance for eligible cases.
If you need legal assistance for a social security matter in Agia Paraskevi, follow these steps:
- Gather documents - Collect ID, social security number, employment records, payslips, medical reports and any correspondence from EFKA or OAED.
- Note deadlines - Administrative appeals and court claims often have strict time limits. Act quickly once you receive an adverse decision or detect missing contributions.
- Seek an initial consultation - Contact a lawyer experienced in social security and administrative law to review your case. Ask about experience, likely steps, timelines and fees.
- Consider informal remedies first - A lawyer can sometimes resolve issues by requesting reconsideration, correcting contribution records with EFKA or negotiating with agencies before filing formal appeals.
- Prepare for appeal if needed - Your lawyer will gather evidence, secure medical expert opinions if necessary and file the required documentation with the appropriate administrative body or court.
- Follow up - Keep copies of all submissions and decisions, track progress and respond promptly to requests from your lawyer or the agency.
If you are unsure where to start, visit your local KEP or EFKA service point in Agia Paraskevi for information and then schedule a consultation with a specialist lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you meet procedural requirements.
