Minister: First social security payment hikes in Jan., after being frozen for 12 years

The first hikes in social security payments in Greece, after 12 years, are expected in January 2022, according to the relevant labor and social insurances minister on Wednesday.

According to minister Kostis Hatzidakis, the hikes will benefit 1.3 million beneficiaries. He also said a so-called “solidarity tax” – imposed by the previous leftist government – will be abolished on the incomes of public sector wage-earners. Additionally, a re-calculation – upwards – of pension benefits for beneficiaries of more than 30 years of social security contributions will occur.

According to a draft budget, expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming period, overall increases will total 7 percent.