A wide range of benefit increases and back payments are scheduled for 2026, affecting programs administered by e EFKA, DYPA and OPEKA. The first rate adjustments took effect on January 1 with a 2.4 percent rise for sickness, maternity and funeral allowances, while additional increases of 4.6 percent will follow on April 1 for 16 more benefits linked to the minimum wage.
Initial Adjustments Implemented in January
The 2.4 percent increase that began in January applies to benefits connected to pensions and issued through e EFKA. This technical adjustment provides immediate financial relief for insured individuals who rely on these specific allowances.
Updated Sickness and Funeral Allowances
The sickness allowance now features revised daily rates. For the first 15 days of support, the daily payment has risen to 18.61 euros. After this period, the maximum daily rate increases to 34.20 euros. Funeral support has also been updated to 883.92 euros, with the equivalent payment for hotel employee funds adjusted accordingly. In cases involving the death of an indirect family member, the allowance stands at 441.96 euros.
April Adjustments to 16 Key Benefits
The second wave of increases, tied to the new minimum wage, begins on April 1 with back payments covering January through March. Unemployment benefits are rising from 509.70 euros to 565.23 euros, with the daily rate set at 22.60 euros. The leave allowance is increasing from 556.05 euros to 590 euros.
Updates for Self Employed and Family Related Benefits
The unemployment benefit for self employed insured under OAEE, ETAA and ETAP MME is increasing to 540.38 euros. The marriage allowance climbs to 87.98 euros, while the monthly triennial allowance rises to 87.99 euros. Maternity benefits for the 9 month period now total 7,919.69 euros, and parental leave benefits reach 1,759.90 euros.
Special Category Benefit Increases
A series of targeted benefits for specific professional sectors are also being adjusted. The employer insolvency benefit rises to 2,639.80 euros, and the standby benefit reaches 87.99 euros. Seasonal support for construction workers is increasing to 1,017.90 euros. Forest workers and tobacco workers will receive 962.88 euros, while the smyrida miners allowance climbs to 1,375.55 euros.
Support for Seasonal Workers and Vulnerable Groups
Seasonal allowances for artists and tourism workers increase to 687.77 euros. Special support measures for former inmates, victims of violence and individuals completing rehabilitation programs will now total approximately 810 euros.
Back Payments and Payment Timeline
The combined increases strengthen the social safety net for thousands of beneficiaries nationwide. While the payment boosts may not dramatically change income levels, they provide meaningful support for vulnerable groups facing economic challenges. Exact payment dates for back payments will be clarified soon, with priority given to benefits adjusted since January.
Implementation by Social Agencies
The agencies e EFKA, DYPA and OPEKA have already issued the relevant circulars and are proceeding with the necessary steps to ensure timely payment of both the updated benefits and the back payments.
