Greece unveils food voucher program for low-income households, monthly support set at €40

The Government of Greece is preparing to roll out a new social assistance program aimed at supporting low-income households, with monthly food vouchers expected to average €40 per beneficiary.

The initiative, designed to assist approximately 210,000 people, will provide scaled support based on household size, with larger families—particularly those with multiple children—eligible for higher benefits.

Retroactive Payments Up to €1,200
One of the most notable features of the program is its retroactive payment structure. Authorities indicate that payments will be calculated starting from March 1, 2024, and distributed as a lump sum in autumn 2026.

For a single-person household, estimated retroactive payments would be:

6 months: €240
12 months: €480
18 months: €720
24 months: €960
30 months: €1,200

Officials note that total amounts may increase depending on the number of household members.

Eligibility Criteria
The program is expected to cover:

• Current beneficiaries of the Social Solidarity Income (KEA)
• Individuals and families who received KEA after March 1, 2024, but are no longer enrolled
• Citizens living in extreme poverty, as documented by municipal social services or community centers
  Voucher-Based System
• Support will be distributed not as cash, but through prepaid cards or vouchers, usable exclusively for food and essential goods at participating retailers.

Key conditions include:

• Valid only for food and basic necessities
• Non-convertible to cash
• Not valid for tobacco, alcohol, second-hand goods, or gambling-related purchases
• Available in digital or printed formats, including barcode or QR code systems

Application Process
Applications are expected to be submitted on a dedicated digital platform. Beneficiaries will be able to track their application status online, while approved payments will be transferred to a bank-linked card or digital wallet. Notifications will be sent via SMS or email.

The program is set to become fully operational in autumn 2026, alongside broader reforms in Greece’s social welfare system.