Best Social Security Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Social Security Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Social Security in Vouliagmeni, Greece operates under the national system that serves the entire country. The primary institution is the Hellenic Single Social Security Entity, known as e-EFKA, which unifies most former funds and covers employees, self-employed professionals, and farmers. Social security provides pension benefits, healthcare coverage, sickness and maternity cash benefits, disability and survivors pensions, work injury coverage, and contribution collection and recordkeeping.

Residents of Vouliagmeni are served by regional e-EFKA branches in the South Athens and wider Attica area. Many services are available online, and Citizen Service Centers known as KEP within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni can assist with applications and certifications. Healthcare services are organized nationally through EOPYY, while unemployment benefits and employment programs are administered by the Public Employment Service, DYPA. Disability certification for benefits is performed by KEPA, the Centers for Disability Certification.

To participate in the system you typically need an AMKA social security number and an AFM tax number. Contributions are usually deducted by employers for salaried workers. Self-employed persons register with e-EFKA and pay monthly contributions according to selected classes and income rules set by law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many social security issues can be handled administratively, but legal support can be important when problems arise. You may benefit from a lawyer if you face denial or reduction of a pension or benefit, disputes over your insured time or contribution gaps, or complex cases involving work in more than one EU country.

Common situations include appealing an e-EFKA decision, contesting a KEPA disability rating, seeking recognition of years worked abroad, proving time in heavy and unhealthy occupations, correcting personal data or family status for survivors pensions, challenging employer non-payment of contributions, negotiating payment arrangements for self-employed arrears with KEAO the Social Security Debt Collection Center, or defending against enforcement and offsets. A lawyer can manage deadlines, gather the right evidence, represent you before administrative committees, and file court actions if needed.

Local Laws Overview

Greek social security is governed mainly by framework laws that apply nationwide, including Law 4387-2016 that unified funds into e-EFKA and reformed pensions, and Law 4670-2020 that adjusted retirement rules and contributions. Supplementary insurance was integrated into e-EFKA, and for auxiliary pensions for new entrants from 2022, TEKA operates a defined contribution scheme. Disability assessment and ratings are standardized through KEPA. The Administrative Procedure Code sets general rules for administrative appeals and deadlines. EU coordination rules under Regulations 883-2004 and 987-2009 apply to cross-border cases within the EU-EEA-Switzerland.

Key features relevant to Vouliagmeni residents include contribution obligations for employees and self-employed persons, electronic contribution records kept by e-EFKA, and strict appeal timelines shown on each decision. As a general guide, many people qualify for an old-age pension at 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, or at 62 with 40 years of contributions. Early or special retirement routes are limited and subject to specific criteria such as heavy and unhealthy occupations. Disability pensions and benefits depend on KEPA-certified disability percentages and duration. Health coverage is provided through EOPYY networks, and unemployment benefits are administered by DYPA based on insured workdays and other conditions. Social security debts are collected by KEAO, with installment arrangements available under defined terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get or verify my AMKA number in Vouliagmeni?

You can obtain or verify your AMKA through national registration channels using valid identification and civil status documents. Local KEP Citizen Service Centers within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni can assist with issuance or verification and tell you what documents you need.

What benefits does e-EFKA provide to insured persons?

e-EFKA provides old-age, disability, and survivors pensions, sickness and maternity cash benefits, work injury coverage, and manages contribution records. Health services are accessed through EOPYY affiliated providers using your insurance status.

When can I retire under the Greek system?

General nationwide rules allow retirement at 67 with at least 15 years of insurance, or at 62 with 40 years of contributions. Special categories may have different thresholds. Your individual record, insured capacity, and any years worked abroad can affect your eligibility and amount.

How are disability benefits decided?

Disability percentages are certified by KEPA based on medical documentation and examination. e-EFKA applies the KEPA rating to determine entitlement to disability pensions or allowances. If you disagree with the rating, you can file an objection and request a reevaluation within the deadlines stated in your decision.

What if my employer in Vouliagmeni did not pay my social security contributions?

You should collect evidence of employment such as contracts, payslips, and witness statements. Report the issue to e-EFKA and the Labor Inspectorate. e-EFKA can audit and attribute contributions. A lawyer can help you secure recognition of uninsured work time and pursue any claims.

How do self-employed professionals handle contributions?

Self-employed persons register with e-EFKA, select a contribution class, and pay monthly. If you have arrears, KEAO manages debts and offers installment plans under specific terms. Legal advice is useful when choosing a class, correcting records, disputing assessments, or negotiating debt settlements.

Can I combine insurance periods from another EU country?

Yes. Under EU coordination rules, periods of insurance in other EU-EEA countries and Switzerland can usually be aggregated to help you meet eligibility conditions. Each country pays its share. Provide detailed records from abroad. A lawyer can coordinate documentation and communications with the relevant institutions.

How do I appeal an unfavorable e-EFKA decision?

Decisions state how and when to appeal. Typically you file an administrative objection to the competent e-EFKA committee, and if necessary you can bring the case before the Administrative Courts. Deadlines are strict and can be short, often around 60 days from notification, so act quickly and keep proof of filing.

What healthcare coverage do I have through social security?

With active insurance or specific qualifying conditions, you access healthcare services through EOPYY contracted providers. Coverage includes primary care, specialist care, diagnostics, and hospital services under national rules. Keep your AMKA and insurance status updated to avoid interruptions.

Are there family or social benefits connected to social security?

Family and social benefits such as child benefit, minimum guaranteed income, and certain disability allowances are administered by OPEKA, often using insurance or income criteria. Your social security status may affect eligibility. KEP can guide you on applications and required documents.

Additional Resources

e-EFKA Hellenic Single Social Security Entity for pensions, contributions, sickness and maternity cash benefits, and insured records.

EOPYY National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision for access to contracted doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

KEPA Centers for Disability Certification for medical assessments and disability ratings used across benefits.

DYPA Public Employment Service for unemployment benefits, registration as a jobseeker, and employment programs.

KEAO Social Security Debt Collection Center for management and settlement of social security debts.

OPEKA Organization of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity for family, disability, housing, and social benefits.

KEP Citizen Service Centers within the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni for applications, certificates, and guidance.

Greek Ombudsman for complaints about maladministration by public authorities, including social security bodies.

Athens Bar Association directory to locate lawyers with social security experience serving the Vouliagmeni area.

Next Steps

Clarify your objective. Identify whether you need to apply, correct records, appeal a decision, or settle contributions. Gather your documents early, including AMKA and AFM numbers, ID, employment contracts, payslips, tax statements, medical records, family status certificates, and any prior decisions from e-EFKA, KEPA, or DYPA.

Check your deadlines. Read the last page of any decision for the appeal route and the filing timeline. Many procedures have short, non-extendable limits. Keep the envelope and note the date of receipt.

Seek preliminary guidance. Visit a local KEP in the Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni municipality or contact the relevant agency to confirm the correct procedure and required forms. Request a printout of your contribution record if needed.

Consult a social security lawyer. Choose someone experienced with e-EFKA, KEPA appeals, and administrative court litigation in the South Athens area. Ask about fees, timelines, evidence needed, and potential outcomes. If you have limited means, ask about legal aid eligibility for court proceedings.

File properly. Submit applications or objections in the prescribed way, keep stamped copies or electronic receipts, and track your case number. For medical issues, ensure your file includes complete and recent medical evidence addressing the legal criteria, not just diagnoses.

Prepare for escalation. If the administrative outcome is negative, discuss with your lawyer whether to take the case to the Administrative Court. Weigh costs, time, and probability of success. Continue to monitor your insurance status and make any required payments to avoid additional penalties.

Stay organized. Maintain a single file with all correspondence, decisions, proofs of submission, and deadlines. Update your contact details with all agencies to make sure you receive notices promptly in Vouliagmeni.