Best Social Security Lawyers in Thivais

About Social Security Law in Thivais, Greece

Social security in Thivais operates under the national framework of Greece. Administration is centralized and delivered locally through regional branches and digital services. The core insurance carrier is the Unified Social Security Fund known as e-EFKA, which covers employees, self-employed professionals, and farmers under one umbrella. Health care benefits in kind are coordinated by EOPYY. Unemployment protection and active labor support are handled by DYPA. Welfare benefits and allowances are administered by OPEKA. Disability certification is assessed by KEPA medical committees. Citizens can also receive assistance with applications through KEP citizen service centers and municipal social services.

Main benefits include old-age pensions, disability pensions, survivors pensions, sickness and maternity benefits, unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, and social welfare allowances such as child, housing, and disability supports. Contribution rules, eligibility conditions, and appeals procedures are set by national laws and apply equally in Thivais. Local offices serve the area for filings, evidence submission, interviews, and information.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many issues can be handled by individuals, but legal guidance is often valuable when a matter is complex, time sensitive, or disputed. A lawyer experienced in social security can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, meet deadlines, and navigate administrative and court procedures.

Common situations where legal help is useful include pension applications with fragmented contribution histories, recognition of work performed under different legacy funds, cross-border insurance periods within the EU, disputes about missing or unpaid contributions, disability claims that require robust medical evidence, appealing a KEPA disability percentage decision, overpayment or debt collection notices from social insurance authorities, coordination of survivors pensions after a death, employer non-compliance with insurance obligations, and denials or reductions of benefits for alleged procedural gaps.

Lawyers can also negotiate installment plans for contribution debts, request reconsideration of adverse decisions, represent you before administrative committees and the administrative courts, and ensure your personal data and medical information are handled lawfully.

Local Laws Overview

National legislation governs social security in Thivais. Key pillars include the unification of legacy funds into e-EFKA, a two-part pension structure made up of a national pension component and an earnings-related component, and clear contribution obligations for employees and the self-employed. General retirement ages and contribution thresholds are set by law. Early or full retirement depends on total insured time and age. Special categories exist for heavy and unhealthy occupations and for parents of children with disabilities, subject to specific conditions.

Disability benefits require medical assessment through KEPA. Disability is expressed as a percentage. Entitlement to a disability pension or allowance depends on both disability percentage and contribution record. There is a process for re-examination and appeal to a higher-tier KEPA committee if you disagree with the initial decision.

Unemployment benefits are managed locally by DYPA. Eligibility typically depends on recent insured employment and termination conditions. Beneficiaries must register, remain available for work, and comply with reporting duties. Additional supports may include training programs and targeted subsidies.

Sickness and maternity benefits include cash benefits from e-EFKA and healthcare services via EOPYY provider networks. Family and social benefits such as child benefit, housing benefit, disability allowances, and the minimum guaranteed income are administered by OPEKA, often with application support through KEP centers.

Debt collection for unpaid social insurance contributions is handled by KEAO, which can issue payment notices and take enforcement measures. There are options to arrange payment plans if you act promptly.

Procedurally, most benefit decisions can be challenged first through an internal administrative objection or reconsideration process within set time limits, commonly short windows that may be around 30 to 60 days depending on the type of decision. Judicial review before the administrative courts is available after exhausting required administrative remedies. Because deadlines are strict, always check the notice you received for the exact time limit and where to file.

Local public bodies in Thivais, such as the municipality and KEP citizen service centers, help residents submit applications, obtain certificates, and book appointments. National safeguards apply throughout the process, including rules on data protection, equal treatment, and access to information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an old-age pension in Thivais

You submit a pension application to e-EFKA, ideally through the digital portal. If you need in-person help, you can visit the local e-EFKA branch that serves Thivais or a KEP center. You will need identification, social insurance number, records of contributions, details of employment periods, and any documents relating to service in other EU countries. After filing, monitor requests for additional evidence and respond within the stated time frames.

What if my employer did not pay my social insurance contributions

First, gather proof of work such as contracts, pay slips, emails, or witness statements. You can ask e-EFKA to investigate missing contributions. For ongoing non-payment, you may also contact the labor inspectorate. A lawyer can help substantiate your insured employment, pursue retroactive recognition of contributions, and seek any wages or damages that may be due under labor law alongside social insurance remedies.

Can I retire early in Greece based on my contributions

Possibility for early or full retirement depends on both age and total insured years. Many insured persons can retire at 67 with a minimum contribution history, or at 62 with a longer insured period. Special provisions exist for heavy and unhealthy occupations and other protected categories. Because rules are nuanced and may change, check your individual record with e-EFKA and seek advice before deciding.

How are disability percentages determined and can I appeal

KEPA medical committees assess disability based on medical evidence and standardized criteria. The committee assigns a disability percentage that influences benefit eligibility and the type of support. If you disagree, you can file an appeal within the stated deadline for review by a higher-tier KEPA committee. Include new medical reports and any missing records. A lawyer can help prepare a focused case file for the appeal.

What health services are covered in Thivais

Healthcare in kind is managed by EOPYY and provided through contracted doctors, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. Coverage typically includes primary care, specialist consultations with referrals where needed, diagnostics, medications on the positive list, and hospital care. Ensure your insurance status is active with e-EFKA to avoid issues at the point of service. For specific authorizations or high-cost treatments, apply early and keep copies of all approvals.

How do I claim unemployment benefits after losing my job

Register promptly with DYPA as a job seeker and file for unemployment benefit. You will need identification, your dismissal or termination document, and proof of insured employment days. Maintain compliance with DYPA obligations such as appointments and job search activities. Delays in registering can affect your entitlement window, so act quickly.

Can foreign workers or returning Greeks combine insurance periods from other countries

Yes. Under EU coordination rules and applicable bilateral agreements, insurance periods completed abroad can often be aggregated to meet eligibility thresholds in Greece. You must provide documentation of foreign insurance periods. e-EFKA will coordinate with the other country to verify records. A lawyer can help when records are incomplete or when multiple systems are involved.

What can I do if e-EFKA issues an overpayment or debt notice

Read the notice carefully for the reason, amount, and deadline to object or request installments. If the debt is disputed, file an objection with supporting documents within the stated timeframe. If the debt is correct but you cannot pay at once, apply promptly for a payment plan. Failure to act can trigger enforcement measures by KEAO. Legal counsel can help choose the right path and meet procedural requirements.

How long do I have to appeal a social security decision

Time limits are strict and depend on the type of decision. Many administrative objections must be filed within a short period, commonly around 30 to 60 days from notification. Judicial appeals to the administrative courts also have fixed deadlines. Always check the decision letter for the exact deadline and filing venue. If in doubt, seek legal advice immediately to avoid losing your rights.

Can I work while receiving a pension

Working pensioners are allowed but may face reductions in pension payments and must comply with notification duties. Rules vary by type of pension and employment. Before starting work, inform e-EFKA and confirm how your pension will be affected. Non-compliance can lead to retroactive reductions and penalties.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA Unified Social Security Fund. The main body for pensions, contributions, and cash benefits. Local branches and online services handle applications, certificates, and contribution records.

EOPYY National Organization for the Provision of Health Services. Coordinates healthcare coverage and provider networks. Handles approvals for certain treatments and supplies.

DYPA Public Employment Service. Manages unemployment benefits, job placement, and training programs. Local service units cover the Thivais area.

OPEKA Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity. Administers child benefit, housing benefit, disability allowances, and the minimum guaranteed income. Applications can often be supported via KEP centers.

KEPA Disability Certification Centers. Conduct medical assessments for disability percentage determinations and re-examinations.

KEP Citizen Service Centers. Provide front-desk assistance with applications, appointments, and document submissions for many public services.

Municipal Social Services in Thivais. Offer social support, guidance on welfare programs, and help with accessing national benefits.

Greek Ombudsman. Independent authority that can examine complaints about maladministration in public bodies, including social insurance services.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority. Supervises the lawful processing of personal and medical data in public administration.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Identify the specific benefit or issue, such as a pension application, a disability certification, a missing contribution question, or an unemployment claim.

Collect documents. Gather identification, social security numbers, employment contracts, pay slips, contribution statements, medical records, termination letters, and any correspondence from authorities.

Check deadlines. Read any decision or notice to find the exact time limit for objections or appeals. Mark the dates and act early to avoid last-minute issues.

Seek guidance. Contact the local e-EFKA office, KEP center, or municipal social services for procedural help. If your case is complex or disputed, consider consulting a lawyer who focuses on social security law.

File correctly. Submit applications or objections through the designated channel, keep stamped copies or submission receipts, and respond promptly to requests for additional evidence.

Follow up. Track your case status, attend appointments or medical examinations, and maintain updated contact details to receive notifications without delay.

Protect your rights. If you receive an adverse decision, evaluate administrative and judicial remedies with a professional. Timely action often makes the difference in social security cases.

This guide offers general information for Thivais, Greece. Social security rules can change and individual facts matter. For tailored advice, consult a qualified lawyer or a competent public service.