“At least 87% of retirees will see a direct increase pensionmany of which, in fact, will double and triple,” said the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakispointing out that pensions are “unfrozen” after 12 years.

Speaking to SKAI TV, Mr. Hatzidakis explained that the increase, which will be given retroactively from January 1, 2023, is related to the price index and growth, and indicated that the percentage of the increase will be determined as soon as ELSTAT announces official data on GDP growth. and rising prices this year.

At the same time, the Minister of Labor noted that for many pensioners, the allowances will be higher. As he explained, in 2023 there will be an increase in wages due to the abolition of the solidarity fee, an increase in the 4th part of the recalculation of pensions for 30 years and older and the provision of an emergency one-time assistance of 250 euros. and the aforementioned increase based on inflation and growth.

“The vast majority of retirees will see a direct increase in their pension,” explained Mr. Hatzidakis, stressing that some, although they will not see anything in their pocket right away, because they have more personal differences, due to the Katrugalos law, with these promotions will greatly smooth out personal differences and put you in a better position for future promotions. However, most of those covered by the personal differences provisions will see an increase in income due to the elimination of the emergency solidarity levy. “We calculated, without taking into account what effect the extraordinary one-time assistance of 250 euros or the 4th recalculation installment under the Vrucis law may have, that only 13% of pensioners will remain without a real increase, 87% will be increased, and many of them will have double the increase, while others triple the increase,” the minister noted and added that out of the 850,000 pensioners who are subject to the personal difference of the Katrugalu law, 504,000 will directly benefit from the abolition of the solidarity collection.

Mr. Hatzidakis then gave specific examples, highlighting the following:

• Example 1: Assuming the growth rate rises to 7%, pensioners receiving a pension of €750 would have a monthly allowance of €53 and an annual allowance of €636, (i.e. 85% of the 13th pension). But, as the minister added, the vast majority of pensioners in this category will be entitled to an allowance of 250 euros. Thus, if the €250 emergency lump-sum assistance is added to the €636 representing the annual gain from the increase, the amount of the benefit is €886.
• Example 2: Under the 7% increase scenario, pensioners receiving a pension of €900 would receive a monthly allowance of €63 and an annual allowance of €756 (i.e. 90% of the 13th pension).
• Example 3: Assuming an increase factor of 7%, a person receiving a disability pension of €514 would have a monthly allowance of €36 and an annual allowance of €432. If we add the emergency lump sum of 250 euros, the total benefit will be 682 euros.

^{With information from APE-MPE}