Immigrating to Greece to understand Greek benefits: European countries are all welfare states. In the Nordic region, the cost of the national welfare system is higher, but it is most accepted by the public and enjoys the greatest legitimacy. In the Mediterranean region, the scale of the national welfare system is also considerable, such as in Greece.
[Greek Benefits & Subsidies]
(1) Public Healthcare:
All residents of Greece with a social insurance welfare number are entitled to public healthcare.
(2) Various Family Subsidies:
All EU countries have established many family welfare measures. Generally, these are divided into child-rearing subsidies and subsidies for family difficulties and housing. The specific amounts depend on the situation in each country, and the data varies each year based on the published information. Greece, as an EU country, also enjoys the following family subsidies: child subsidies, which every mother can receive. This starts from the 5th month of pregnancy until the child is 3 years old. Greece encourages childbirth; the more children born, the more subsidies received. Generally, mothers with more than three children can essentially not work, as the subsidies provided by the state are sufficient to cover daily living expenses. Of course, the eligibility for subsidies is related to family income, and one can generally apply for around 1,000 euros per month.
If a woman becomes pregnant while receiving the above subsidies, she can receive both subsidies simultaneously. Additionally, for twins or multiple births, she can receive double or multiple subsidies. There are many other subsidies related to child-rearing that can be applied for, such as: family child-rearing subsidies, subsidies for hiring family child-rearing nannies, subsidies for hiring caregivers at home, subsidies for families with multiple children, family allowances until the child reaches adulthood, pre-school subsidies, school subsidies, adoption subsidies, housing subsidies, moving subsidies, preferential loans for improving living conditions, family support subsidies, single-parent subsidies, minimum living guarantee funds, special education subsidies, disability subsidies, etc.
The numerous subsidies are practically a thick book, and the details of each clause are too many to introduce one by one. In summary, EU countries are all high-welfare, high-tax countries, and basic living guarantees are not an issue.
(3) Long-term Unemployment Assistance:
1. Living Assistance: Unemployed individuals facing economic difficulties can directly apply for assistance from the relevant government departments.
2. Unemployed individuals can apply for assistance for difficulties in paying rent, telephone bills, electricity bills, or loan repayments.
3. Minimum Living Guarantee Subsidy: Individuals receiving low unemployment benefits can receive a supplementary subsidy for the difference in minimum living guarantees while receiving unemployment benefits.
(4) Pregnancy Subsidy: Women can apply for pregnancy examination subsidies after becoming pregnant, covering all expenses from the first examination until the child is born.
(5) Widow/Widower Subsidy: Individuals without economic income after losing a spouse can apply for this subsidy.
(6) Special Subsidy for Elderly Self-Sufficiency: Individuals over 60 years old who cannot fully care for themselves can apply.
(7) Sick Leave Subsidy: Employees on sick leave can receive sick leave wages from the social insurance bureau.
(8) Social Insurance: Family members of a person with social insurance can enjoy the social insurance benefits under his/her name. For example, in a family where the husband has social welfare insurance, his wife and children can also enjoy it.
(9) Retirement System: Employees can receive pensions from the retirement management department upon reaching retirement age. This allows for a comfortable old age. For example, if a father is a civil servant and passes away, his unmarried or divorced children can continue to receive his pension indefinitely, until their death or marriage.