Family Benefits in Greece

Most family benefits in Greece are tax-funded and means-tested. They are paid by OPEKA, and you apply online through gov.gr with your TAXISnet codes. Eligibility depends on equivalised family income (ισοδύναμο οικογενειακό εισόδημα), the family's income adjusted for its size, and on your residence history. Maternity and parental leave pay are covered under parental benefits.

Child benefit (Επίδομα παιδιού)

• Who: Greek, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, ethnic Greeks, refugees, stateless persons and other foreign nationals with a valid residence permit.
• Residence: permanent residence in Greece for the last 5 years; 12 years of legal and permanent residence for nationals of other (non-EU) countries.
• Amounts (2026), per month, by equivalised family income:
  • up to €6,000: €70 each for the 1st and 2nd child, €140 for each further child
  • €6,001–10,000: €42 each for the 1st and 2nd child, €84 for each further child
  • €10,001–15,000: €28 each for the 1st and 2nd child, €56 for each further child
• Children counted: unmarried children up to 18 (19 if still in secondary school), and students or children with a disability of 67% or more up to the year they turn 24. School-age children must attend school.
• Payment: you apply each year with form A21. The benefit is tax-free, cannot be seized and is paid in 6 instalments, every two months.

Birth allowance (Επίδομα γέννησης)

• A one-off allowance for every child born alive in Greece. The amount depends on the number of children in the family after the birth: €2,400 for 1 child, €2,700 for 2, €3,000 for 3 and €3,500 for 4 or more (OPEKA). It is paid in two equal instalments.
• The mother applies within 3 months of the birth, at the maternity clinic together with the birth registration, or online at epidomagennisis.gr.
• Equivalised family income must be no more than €40,000 a year. The mother (or the person with custody) must live legally and permanently in Greece; since 2024 third-country nationals need the last 12 years of such residence.

Childcare

• Kindergarten (νηπιαγωγείο) is compulsory and free from age 4. Parents enrol their child online through gov.gr for the next school year (the round for 2026–27 has closed).
• "Neighbourhood Nannies" (Νταντάδες της Γειτονιάς): a subsidised scheme for care at home for children aged 2 months to 2½ years. It is open to working parents, unemployed mothers registered with DYPA, mothers who are students, and fathers with sole custody, within income limits (ntantades.gov.gr).
• Nurseries and infant centres (βρεφικοί and βρεφονηπιακοί σταθμοί) care for children from 2 months to 4 years; attendance is optional and there is no legal right to a place. Ask your municipality about public places.

Common pitfalls for newcomers

• Because of the 12-year rule, many third-country nationals cannot get child benefit for years. Naturalisation removes it.
• Child benefit is based on your last tax return. File your return on time each year, even if your income is low.
• The 3-month deadline for the birth allowance is strict, and late claims are rejected.
• If a child misses too much school without a valid reason, the benefit can be stopped.

Official guidance: OPEKA: child benefit, OPEKA: birth allowance, Mitos: child benefit, Mitos: Neighbourhood Nannies, Kindergarten enrolment (gov.gr)