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Social security in Elliniko is part of the national Greek social security system. Key national institutions administer benefits, contributions and health coverage for residents across the country. The system covers pensions, sickness and maternity benefits, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, family benefits and health care provision. Important elements for anyone living or working in Elliniko include the national social security number - AMKA - and registration with the Unified Social Security Institution - EFKA. Greek social security law has undergone major reforms in recent years to change contribution rules and pension calculations, so individual cases often depend on contribution history, employment status and specific statutory rules.
Social security matters can involve complex legal and factual issues. You may need a lawyer if your claim for a pension, disability benefit, sickness benefit or unemployment aid is rejected or reduced. Lawyers are also helpful when your contribution record is disputed, when employers fail to register or pay contributions, when you face a criminal investigation for alleged social security fraud, or when you have a cross-border situation involving EU social security rules. A lawyer can prepare appeals, gather supporting evidence, obtain medical reports, represent you before administrative bodies and courts, and explain complex calculation rules that determine your entitlement and payment amounts.
Key legal points that affect social security matters in Elliniko follow national Greek law. The most relevant elements to keep in mind are:
- The system is centrally administered by national bodies such as EFKA for contributions and pensions, and EOPYY for health services.
- Pensions are generally based on contribution history and average earnings - reforms introduced in recent years changed calculation formulas and retirement ages.
- Self-employed persons, employees and public servants are governed by different contribution rules and sometimes different benefit formulas.
- Disability and incapacity determinations require formal medical certification issued by authorised bodies - the certification process and degree of disability affect eligibility and benefit levels.
- Unemployment benefits are subject to contribution and registration requirements and specific eligibility periods.
- Deadlines for administrative appeals and court actions are strict and vary by type of case - acting promptly is important.
- EU regulations on social security coordination apply to EU citizens and affect situations with work or contributions in more than one member state.
- Disputes about social security decisions are typically handled through administrative appeal procedures and, if necessary, by administrative courts in Athens and higher administrative courts up to the Council of State.
You need an AMKA number to access most social security services. Employers normally register employees with EFKA and make contributions on their behalf. Self-employed people must register directly with EFKA and make contributions according to their category. If you are unsure how to register, visit the local EFKA office or a Citizens Service Center - KEP - for guidance and to confirm the documents required.
Pension calculation depends on the type of pension, your contribution record, the years of insured employment, and your earnings history. Recent reforms changed base formulas and indexes, so two people with similar careers can receive different amounts depending on the exact contribution timeline and specific legal rules that applied during their working life. A lawyer or an accountant experienced in social security can review your records and estimate entitlement.
If EFKA rejects a claim, read the decision carefully for the reasons and any stated deadlines for appeal. Most rejections have an administrative appeal possibility first. Gathering supporting documents - employment records, payslips, medical reports - is essential. If the administrative route fails, you can usually bring the case before the administrative courts. A specialized lawyer can prepare the appeal and represent you.
Yes, EU citizens who work or have contributed to the Greek social security system may be entitled to benefits. EU rules on coordination can protect contributions made in different member states and affect which state pays benefits in cross-border situations. You should keep full records of contributions paid in any EU country and ask for a professional review of how the rules apply to your situation.
Common documents include your AMKA and TAX number, ID or passport, work contracts, payslips, social security contribution statements, bank details for payments, and medical records for disability or sickness claims. Specific benefits may require additional certificates such as family status records or official disability certificates from authorised medical boards.
Processing times vary by benefit and the completeness of your file. Simple administrative matters may be resolved in a few weeks, while complex pension computations or contested disability claims can take several months. Court litigation takes longer. If a benefit is urgently needed, inform the administering body and seek legal help to explore interim measures where available.
If an employer failed to make contributions, you may have options to recover missing contributions and protect your rights. You should collect employment contracts, payslips and any proof of work. You can file a complaint with EFKA or the Labour Inspectorate and may need to bring a civil or administrative action against the employer. A lawyer can help identify the correct legal forum and prepare claims.
Disability claims require medical assessment and certification by authorised medical boards. The degree and cause of disability determine entitlement and benefit levels. Obtaining and organising medical reports, attending required examinations and following procedural rules is crucial. If a disability application is denied, a legal challenge may be possible based on medical evidence or procedural errors during assessment.
Yes, self-employed persons have specific contribution rates and declare income differently from employees. Contribution obligations can vary by profession and income brackets. Gaps or errors in contribution payments can affect future pension rights. Professional advice is recommended to ensure correct registration, accurate contribution payments and proper treatment of declared income.
You do not always need a lawyer to file an appeal, but legal assistance is often helpful, especially in complex or high-value cases. A lawyer can ensure appeals are filed on time, present legal arguments effectively, gather necessary evidence and represent you before administrative authorities and courts. If language or procedural complexity is a concern, retaining a specialist lawyer is advisable.
EFKA - the national body that administers pensions and contributions. Visit your local EFKA office for personal case information and procedures.
EOPYY - the organisation responsible for public health care provision and medical coverage details.
OAED - the national employment agency that handles unemployment benefits, training and job placement services.
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - responsible for policy, legislation and oversight of social security systems.
Citizens Service Centers - KEP - provide help with administrative procedures and document submission for residents.
Regional medical certification centres for disability determinations - the bodies that issue official disability certificates.
Greek Ombudsman - can help with complaints about administrative treatment when you believe a public body treated you unfairly.
Bar Association of Athens and local lawyers in Elliniko - for lists of lawyers specialising in social security law and for referrals.
Municipal social services in Elliniko-Argyroupoli - local support for low-income residents and guidance on social benefits.
European Union social security coordination information - relevant if you have worked in more than one EU country.
1. Gather key documents - AMKA, ID or passport, TAX number, employment contracts, payslips, contribution statements, bank details and any medical records relevant to your claim.
2. Read any decision you received carefully and note deadlines for administrative appeals or other procedural time limits. Deadlines can be short - commonly within a few weeks to a couple of months - so act quickly.
3. Contact the relevant national office - EFKA, EOPYY or OAED - to clarify your file status and obtain an official printout of your contribution history.
4. Seek an initial consultation with a lawyer who specialises in social security law. Bring your documents and a concise timeline of events. Ask about fees, likely outcomes and required next steps.
5. Consider alternatives such as mediation, complaint to the Ombudsman or an administrative appeal before initiating court proceedings. Your lawyer can advise on the best procedural path.
6. Keep copies of all submissions, receipts and correspondence. If you must go to court, accurate records will be essential.
If you need help finding a lawyer, contact the local bar association for referrals or ask municipal social services for recommendations. Taking these steps early will help protect your rights and improve the chances of a favorable result.
