Επίδομα Παιδιού — child benefit

Monthly benefit paid by OPEKA (Greek allowance agency) by equivalent income:

• Equivalent income ≤ €6,000/year: €70 per child/month (1st and 2nd), €140 (3rd+), +€70 bonus if 3+
• €6,001–10,000: €42 (1st-2nd), €84 (3rd+)
• €10,001–15,000: €28 (1st-2nd), €56 (3rd+)
• Cap: €15,000 equivalent income

Επίδομα Γέννησης — birth grant

Universal grant introduced in 2020:

• €2,400 per birth (1st, 2nd, 3rd child)
• €3,800 from 4th child (2024 reform)
• No means test
• Paid in 2 instalments (€1,500 + €900 at 6 months)
• Managed by OPEKA

Maternity leave — 119 days

Άδεια μητρότητας:

• 119 days (56 before + 63 after birth)
• Benefit: 100% of salary (capped by EFKA category)
• Paid by e-EFKA (Social Security)

Parental leave — 2024 reform

Since 2024 (Law 5037/2024):

• 9 months of parental leave (up from 4) per parent
• Benefit: minimum wage (€910/month in 2025) paid by OAED/DYPA
• Usable until child turns 8
• Non-transferable between parents (EU directive reform)

Paternity leave — 14 days

Άδεια πατρότητας: 14 days at 100% of salary, to be taken within 30 days of birth.

Nurseries — Βρεφονηπιακοί σταθμοί

Municipal public nurseries for 0–5, sliding-scale fees (€50–200/month by income).

ESPA Voucher programme: government support covering 100% of private nursery fees for low-income families (up to €230/month).

Compulsory kindergarten (νηπιαγωγείο) from age 4 to 6, free.

Official sources

• OPEKA — Child benefit
• OPEKA — Birth grant
• e-EFKA — Maternity