countries - el - Social protection

Social protection

For people insured before 1.1.1993, welfare payments are financed through the contributions of employees and employers. For those insured after the 1.1.1993 there is three-party financing, by the employee, employer and state. Annual State subsidies to social insurance institutions are provided (MISSOC, 2008

The minimum disability pension, as provided by the main social security fund under the Ministry for Employment and Social Protection, is 486,64€ per month. In addition, the supplementary, means-tested benefit of social solidarity for pensioners ranges from 100€ to 230€, according to the income of the pensioner.

304.515 people received disability pension in 2008, out of a total of 2.341.374 pensioners insured through social security funds run by the Ministry for Employment and Social Protection. In addition, 78.527 disability pensioners received a supplementary benefit of social solidarity.

6.178.332 people received health provisions while1.306.054 people received benefits in cash and kind related to welfare (disability and maternity) through social security in 2008. (General Secretariat of Social Security, Social budget 2008)

Rehabilitation and re-training

Primary healthcare and rehabilitation is free of charge under the National Health System.

No special rehabilitation measures or benefits are available with the exception of preferential employment for certain categories of disabled people (e.g. the blind).

There is a lack of data on social enterprises and sheltered workshops

Preferential employment and quotas

Private enterprises which employ more than 50 employees are obliged to recruit 8% of  employees with disabilities and other socially vulnerable groups. In the public sector, the corresponding percentage is 5%.

Long-term support and care

The system of long-term care includes direct provision of social services by local authorities (free of charge), and benefits in cash and in kind provided by social security funds or social welfare for those uninsured. Benefits in cash vary according to type of disability, and are exempt from tax. Benefits in kind may include either full coverage of cost or contribution.