«Net» In addition, the Commission has decided to grant aid to the steel industry in the form of a global loan of EUR 400 million. pensioners on 30 November, increased instead of 250 euros received last year.
At the same time, the number of beneficiaries is extended, as the aid extends to all pensioners over 65 years, without any other income or asset criterion.
The same amount will also be received on 30 November and pensioners over 60 years of age who receive only a death pension ( widow), persons with disabilities regardless of age, as well as the uninsured seniors of OPECA.
EUR 400 tax-free for 2.2 million beneficiaries
With the new regulation announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis from ITH, the total beneficiaries amounted to 2,196,751 citizens, i.e. about 2.2 million, compared to around 1.4 million in 2025, which is over 50% more.
Old beneficiaries will see 60% increase or 150 euros more than the 250 euros they had received. While the new beneficiaries will have seen for the first time since this year a permanent income increase of EUR 400.
The total annual financial cost of the aid is EUR 879 million. Of this, EUR 712 million relates to 1,779,112 pensioners over 65 years of age, with the exception of beneficiaries of disability pensions and disability benefits. For the 19,753 pensioners aged 61 to 65 who receive a death pension, the cost is EUR 8 million.
The beneficiaries of disability pensions and disability benefits paid by the e-EFKA include 176,578 citizens, with the associated cost being EUR 71 million. ‘Other 171,738 persons eligible for OPECA’s disability benefits will receive a total of EUR 69 million, while 49,570 beneficiaries of uninsured seniors benefits correspond to a cost of EUR 20 million.
What they gain – Who the most benefited
In November 2025 they had received financial aid of 1,4522.246 citizens, with the amount of 250 euros and the total cost of reaching 363m euros. In April 2026 the allowance was extended, the beneficiaries amounted to 1,925,361 and the amount had increased to EUR 300, at a budget cost of EUR 578 million.
Instead of EUR 300, the allowance is increased to EUR 400 and to EUR 744,500 beneficiaries more. Young beneficiaries are mainly in the category of pensioners over 65 years old, who increase from 1,507,722 to 1,779,112 beneficiaries. This category will receive a total of EUR 712 million.
Increases from December
With the January 2027 pension to be collected near Christmas, pensioners will receive an increase based on the average inflation and GDP, without netting the personal difference.
Based on the estimates of April 2026, which were incorporated into the mid-term annual progress report, the increase is estimated at 2.6%, while the corresponding budget costs are estimated at EUR 750 million.
The definitive rate, however, may be higher and will be determined by the macroeconomic estimates of the final draft budget, which will be presented in November 2026.
In the same context, pensions are expected to continue to increase every year, based on economic data, without netting personal differences. The estimated annual cost for pensions increases is estimated to reach around 2.7 billion euros in 2030, compared to the current levels of 2026.
