Factsheet for case
GR-2020-12/694
–
Updated
– measures in Greece
Extension of expired or expiring unemployment benefit payments
Παράταση χορήγησης επιδομάτων ανεργίας που έληξαν ή λήγουν
Background information
In the context of the “emergency contingency measures to address the effects of the coronavirus COVID-19, to support society and entrepreneurship and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the market and public administration”, the Greek government introduced a regulation/extension of unemployment benefits in order to support the unemployed. The extension concerns the regular unemployment benefit, the long term unemployed benefit and the unemployment benefit of the self-employed.
The relevant law: Art 7 of the Official Gazette A68, March 20, 2020 and art 24 of the Official Gazette A75, March 30, 2020).
Content of measure
Pursuant to the new measure, the duration of the unemployment benefits that have expired or expire during the first quarter of 2020 is extended for 2 months after their expiration. The extension concerns the regular unemployment benefit, the long term unemployed benefit and the unemployment benefit of the self-employed.
Regarding the amount, beneficiaries of the regular unemployment benefit will receive in total, for the two months, up to €798.50 (up to €399.25 monthly), increased by 10% for each dependent of the beneficiary unemployed.
The beneficiaries of the self-employed unemployment benefit will receive up to €720 (up to €360 monthly) in total and the beneficiaries of the unemployment benefit will receive up to €400 (up to €200 monthly) in total.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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24 February 2021
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By a Ministerial Decision No. 834/279/24.2.2021 of the Ministers of Finance and Labour it has been foreseen the extension of the unemployment benefits for two months and concerns those beneficiaries who their benefit had expired within the first two months of 2021 and they had not benefited from the previous two-month extension. Additionally, a similar extension of the above benefits has been announced for those beneficiaries whose the benefit expired in March 2021. The same applies for the financial aid of €400, which will be granted to long-term unemployed individuals.
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06 November 2020
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The Ministry of Labour announced on Thursday, 6 November 2020, the extension of granting of the unemployment benefit for two months for those whose unemployment benefit expired in September, October, November and December. Furthermore, financial aid, amounting to €400, will be granted to long-term unemployed individuals. Beneficiaries are both unemployed and long-term unemployed individuals.
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Use of measure
According to an estimate by the OAED Commander, about 200,000 unemployed people, who ended their unemployment benefit in January, February, March and April 2020 will get a two-month extension. In addition another 155,000 long-term unemployed will receive the aid.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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National funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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No involvement
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No involvement
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: Unknown
Involvement
The measure was considered positive.
Views and reactions
The government has designed and implemented this measure.
Sources
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20 March 2020: “Urgent measures to address the consequences of the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, to support society and entrepreneurship and to ensure the smooth functioning of the market and public administration.” (O.G A’ 68/20-3-2020)
(www.et.gr)
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30 March 2020: Act of Legislative Content of 30.03.2020 "Measures to combat the pandemic of coronavirus COVID-19 and other urgent provisions"
(www.et.gr)
