Best Social Security Lawyers in Arta

About Social Security Law in Arta, Greece

Social security in Arta operates under Greece's national system, administered primarily by the Unified Social Security Fund known as e-EFKA. Whether you are an employee, self-employed professional, farmer, or unemployed, your rights and obligations are governed by national legislation that applies uniformly across Greece, with local service delivery through branches and public service centers in Arta. The system covers pensions for old age, disability, and survivors, health insurance and benefits, unemployment benefits through the Public Employment Service known as DYPA, family and social benefits through OPEKA, and workplace rights enforced by the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Local Citizens Service Centers known as KEP and e-EFKA branch offices in Arta help residents file applications, obtain certificates, and follow up on cases.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people in Arta manage simple applications on their own, but legal help can be crucial when your livelihood or health coverage is at stake. You may need a lawyer if your pension application is rejected or delayed, your contribution record is incomplete or contains errors, you need to challenge a disability percentage from KEPA medical boards, your employer failed to declare work or pay contributions, you owe contributions as a freelancer or farmer and face enforcement, you need to coordinate insurance periods from work in other EU-EEA countries or bilateral agreement states, you plan to retire under special provisions such as heavy and unhealthy work or early retirement, you must appeal a decision within strict time-limits, or you need to protect health coverage during unemployment or contribution gaps. A lawyer can assess eligibility, gather and present evidence, file appeals on time, represent you before administrative bodies and courts, and negotiate settlements for contribution debts.

Local Laws Overview

Greek social security law is national and applies in Arta as it does throughout Greece. Core reforms include Law 4387-2016 and subsequent amendments such as Law 4670-2020, which unified former funds like IKA, OAEE, and OGA into e-EFKA and reshaped contribution and pension rules. Key points that affect residents of Arta include compulsory insurance for employees and most self-employed, with contributions shared between employer and employee for salaried work and paid in full by the insured for self-employment. Contribution classes and rates depend on professional category and are set by law. Pension eligibility depends on insured days or years and age thresholds that vary by category, with special rules for heavy and unhealthy work, mothers of minors under older regimes, and certain public sector categories. Disability pensions require medical assessment by KEPA, which issues a percentage rating that determines eligibility and benefit level. Health coverage is tied to insurance status and can continue for limited periods during unemployment or contribution gaps under specific conditions. Unemployment benefits are provided by DYPA based on insured days and termination type and may come with active job seeking obligations. Supplementary pensions and lump-sum benefits are administered within e-EFKA's auxiliary branches. Social benefits such as disability allowances, child benefits, and housing allowance are managed by OPEKA and may require KEPA certification or income criteria verified through AADE tax data.

Procedurally, applicants usually must file an administrative appeal to e-EFKA before going to court. There are strict time-limits, commonly 60 days from notification of a decision for administrative appeals and for filing to the administrative courts after an appeal outcome, though exact deadlines can differ by case type. In Arta, initial submissions can be made online through national portals or in person at local e-EFKA or KEP, with hearings or medical boards often scheduled at regional centers within Epirus. Keeping copies of all filings and proof of submission is essential for protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What agencies handle social security matters in Arta?

e-EFKA handles pensions, contributions, and insurance records. DYPA handles unemployment benefits and job seeker services. OPEKA manages social benefits like child and disability allowances. EOPYY oversees health coverage and provider contracts. KEP provides front-desk support for applications and certificates. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate enforces labor and contribution compliance. Local branches in Arta coordinate with these national bodies.

How do I check my contribution record and insured days?

You can request an insurance record extract through the national digital portals or by visiting the e-EFKA office or a KEP in Arta. Bring your identification, AMKA or Personal Insurance Number, and AFM tax number. Review the extract carefully and report missing periods or errors promptly with supporting documents like contracts and payslips.

What documents are needed to apply for an old-age pension?

Typically you need a valid ID or passport, AMKA, AFM, family status certificate if applicable, your insurance record, proof of contribution payment for self-employed, certificates for military service or heavy and unhealthy work where relevant, and bank account details. Cross-border applicants may need PD U forms or certificates from foreign institutions. Requirements vary by category, so verify before filing.

How are disability percentages determined and can I appeal?

KEPA medical boards review medical evidence and assign a disability percentage. This rating determines eligibility for disability pensions and allowances. If you disagree with the percentage, you can file an administrative appeal within the set time-limit and submit additional medical documentation. Further judicial review may be possible through the administrative courts.

I lost my job in Arta. Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?

Eligibility depends on insured days in the qualifying period, the type of termination, and other conditions set by law. If you qualify, you must register with DYPA, file for benefits, and meet any job seeking obligations. Bring your termination document, ID, AMKA, and bank details. Time-limits apply, so act quickly after termination.

What if my employer did not pay or declare my contributions?

You should gather evidence of work such as contracts, timesheets, messages, and witness statements. You can report the issue to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and request an audit of undeclared work. A lawyer can help you pursue retroactive recognition of insured days and any wages owed, and protect you from retaliation. Deadlines for claims can be short, so seek advice early.

How do contribution debts affect my pension or benefits?

Outstanding debts to e-EFKA can delay or reduce benefits. There are legal mechanisms to settle or arrange installments, and in some cases a portion of debt can be withheld from the pension up to statutory limits. The treatment differs for salaried employees, self-employed, and farmers. Obtain a debt certificate and explore settlement options before filing your pension application.

Can foreign workers or returnees use prior work periods from abroad?

Yes, insurance periods from EU-EEA states and countries with bilateral agreements can often be aggregated to meet eligibility thresholds. You will need official certificates from foreign institutions. The benefit amount is calculated according to coordination rules. Start document collection early, as cross-border verification can take time.

How long do social security applications take in Arta?

Processing times vary by case type and workload. Simple certificates can be issued quickly, while pensions, disability assessments, and cross-border cases may take several months. Submitting complete files, responding promptly to requests, and using appointments can reduce delays. You can monitor progress through national portals or by contacting the local office.

What can I do if e-EFKA rejects my claim?

Read the decision carefully and note the time-limit for appeal. File an administrative appeal with legal arguments and new evidence where available. If the appeal is denied or not decided in time, you may have the right to file a petition before the administrative courts. A lawyer can advise on prospects, evidence, and costs.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA Unified Social Security Fund for pensions, contributions, insurance records, disability assessments scheduling through KEPA. Contact the Arta branch or use national digital services.

DYPA Public Employment Service for unemployment benefits, job seeker registration, training programs. Visit the DYPA office serving Arta.

OPEKA Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity for child benefits, disability allowances, housing allowance, minimum guaranteed income. Applications are often filed online or through KEP.

EOPYY National Organization for the Provision of Health Services for health coverage, provider directories, and referrals.

KEP Citizens Service Centers in Arta for submissions, certifications, and application support across multiple agencies.

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for complaints about undeclared work, unpaid wages, and contribution violations.

Arta Bar Association for referrals to lawyers experienced in social security and administrative law.

Municipal Social Services and Community Centers in the Municipality of Arta for guidance on social benefits and support services.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal early. Identify whether you need a pension, disability rating, health coverage confirmation, unemployment benefits, or correction of your contribution record. Different goals have different criteria and time-limits.

Collect your documents in advance. Prepare your ID, AMKA, AFM, insurance record, employment contracts, payslips, termination notices, medical reports for disability, family status certificates, and bank IBAN. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Use local access points. Book an appointment with the e-EFKA office or a KEP in Arta for submissions and certifications. If unemployed, register promptly with DYPA. For social benefits, check eligibility with OPEKA and the municipal social services.

Protect your deadlines. Note the date you receive any decision and calculate the appeal time-limit. Late appeals are usually rejected. Ask for a receipt or protocol number for every filing.

Seek professional help when issues are complex. A lawyer who focuses on social security can evaluate your entitlements, draft appeals, represent you at KEPA or in court, and coordinate documents from multiple agencies or foreign institutions.

Stay informed and follow up. Track your case status through national portals or by contacting the local office. Respond quickly to requests for additional information. If your situation changes, such as a new medical report or employment status, notify the relevant agency.

If you are unsure where to start, consult the Arta Bar Association for a referral or visit a KEP in Arta to receive guidance on the correct procedure for your specific issue.