Burhan Baran calls for funeral assistance for families of uninsured citizens
İskeçe MP Burhan Baran has submitted a parliamentary question urging the Greek government to provide financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred by families of uninsured citizens following their death.
Burhan Baran, a Member of Parliament representing İskeçe (Xanthi), has submitted a parliamentary question to Labour and Social Security Minister Niki Kerameos, calling for financial support for the families of uninsured citizens who die without being covered by existing funeral assistance schemes.
The question was also addressed to Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou.
In a statement on the issue, Baran explained that the National Social Security Fund (EFKA) currently provides funeral benefits to the eligible survivors of insured and retired citizens. Meanwhile, the Organisation of Social Benefits and Solidarity (OPEKA) offers similar assistance to certain categories of uninsured elderly people.
However, he pointed out that several groups remain excluded from these benefits, including the long-term unemployed, uninsured workers, individuals who have not completed the required insurance contribution period and certain uninsured citizens under the age of 67.
Baran stressed that a person's insurance status does not change the funeral expenses faced by their family following their death. He argued that the current system creates inequalities in social protection, particularly for families experiencing financial hardship.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by households in areas such as İskeçe, where economic insecurity and limited social protection can place additional financial pressure on families.
PROPOSAL FOR A NEW SOCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME
In his parliamentary question, Baran asked whether the government could introduce a dedicated funeral assistance scheme for families of uninsured citizens, based on income and social criteria.
He also raised the possibility of expanding the existing assistance system and establishing a coordinated mechanism involving OPEKA and the relevant government ministries.
Additionally, he requested official data on the number of uninsured citizens living in İskeçe.
Baran emphasised that social assistance policies should take citizens' actual economic and social needs into account rather than being determined solely by their insurance status.
