A new single financial aid programme for deaf and deaf people entered into force after the publication of the relevant Joint Ministerial Decision in the FVO. Beneficiaries are people with a disability rate of 67% or more, regardless of age, with permanent and legal residence in Greece. The application is submitted through OPECA, while the beneficiaries continue to receive the benefit without a new application. The new regulation replaces earlier schemes since 1973, at an estimated cost of EUR 5.5 million for the state budget.
Analyticalally:
A new single programme of financial aid for deaf and deaf people shall enter into force after the publication of the relevant joint ministerial decision in the Government Journal .
The new regulation replaces earlier subsidy schemes, bringing together in a uniform framework the terms, conditions and procedure for granting the allowance through OPECA.
Who are the beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries of financial aid are persons with a disability rate of 67% or more due to deafness or fatigue, regardless of age.
At the same time, it requires:
- permanent and legal residence in Greece
- no other corresponding aid equal to or greater than
- no stay abroad more than 6 months per year
The allowance covers Greek citizens, EU citizens, expatriates, refugees and other categories with legal residence in the country.
How to apply
The award procedure shall be carried out through an application to the OPECA accompanied by a responsible statement by the beneficiary or his legal representative.
The application shall state:
- residence details
- any other aid received
- commit information in case of changes
Where the conditions are found not to be met, the award decision may be revoked.
What applies to old beneficiaries
Already beneficiaries continue to receive the allowance without requiring a new application, while pending applications will be examined under the new framework.
At the same time, a transitional period is provided in which applicants within six months may receive the aid retroactively.
Old decisions repealed
The new decision abolishes previous subsidy schemes in force since 1973, with the aim of simplifying and consolidating procedures.
Budgetary costs
The implementation of the programme is estimated to burden the state budget by around 5.5m euros, with funding covered by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family.
The new system aspires to enhance accessibility and social support for people with hearing problems, through a simpler and transparent context of benefits.
