The Greek social security system has languished in a peculiar “gray zone” for years, where laws have been passed, circulars have been issued and decisions of high courts have been passed down, without ever being fully implemented.
This has resulted in a web of pending issues that fosters uncertainty, deepens inequalities and poses a constant risk of fiscal derailment for the entire system.
Kathimerini has compiled numerous cases that paint a rather disappointing and telling picture: The Greek social security system continues to operate on the basis of obsolete laws and inactive court decisions, and cannot be considered stable.
A prime example is the law on bereavement pensions. According to this legislation, three years after the death of an insured individual, the surviving spouse’s pension must be reduced by 50% if the beneficiary is working or receiving their own pension. However, this provision has seldom been applied in the private sector. Consequently, two distinct categories of pensioners have emerged: those who continue to receive a full pension and those who have seen their benefits reduced.
The situation is similar in cases of bereavement pensions in combination with old-age pensions for farmers.
Another critical matter involves the payment of a double national pension when a retiree receives both their own pension and a bereavement pension – an issue currently pending before the Council of State.
Court decisions create additional pressures. The Court of Auditors has ruled that the pensions of judicial officers cannot fall below 60% of their current salaries, and that the solidarity levy for the years 2017 and 2018 was unconstitutional, paving the way for refunds.
Significant delays are also recorded in the field of disability pensions. The same picture is presented by basic regulations, such as the Sickness Benefits Regulation and the Insurance Regulation for employees and self-employed persons.
In the field of occupational insurance, an announcement is pending regarding the new reform of the auxiliary social security funds. Finally, the farmers’ work permit case recently highlighted the risk of sudden changes in the interpretation of the legislation.