Prepaid cards with retroactive payments introduced under TEVA program
Major changes are coming to Greece’s food assistance scheme, as the government moves to replace physical food distributions under the TEVA program with prepaid cards — including substantial retroactive payments for beneficiaries.
The reform, part of the 2021–2027 EU funding framework (ESPA), affects around 400,000 recipients nationwide, including beneficiaries in İskeçe (Xanthi) and the wider Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region.
When will the cards be issued?
The new centralized payment system, based on prepaid cards (vouchers), is expected to launch in June 2026.
Because food distributions have been suspended in many regions since early 2024, the government has decided to compensate beneficiaries retroactively. Payments are expected to cover up to 28 months, from February 2024 through May 2026.
Eligible recipients are those enrolled in the Minimum Guaranteed Income scheme.
How much will beneficiaries receive?
Monthly assistance will be calculated based on household composition:
€216 for the head of household
€108 for each additional adult
€54 for each minor child
If paid retroactively for 28 months, the total amounts credited to prepaid cards could reach:
Single-person household: €6,048
Couple without children: €9,072
Family of three (2 adults, 1 child): €10,584
Family of four (2 adults, 2 children): €12,096
The funds will be loaded exclusively onto prepaid cards and can be used for food and essential goods purchases.
Program transition
The former TEVA scheme is being integrated into the new “Human Resources & Social Cohesion” program under ESPA 2021–2027. Officials say the retroactive payments are required to cover the gap created during the transition to the new digital system.
The move is expected to provide significant financial relief to vulnerable households awaiting the program’s full relaunch.
