Unemployment benefit

If you have worked and paid IKA or TAXI contributions for 2 consecutive years, of 100 days or more for each year, you are entitled to unemployment benefit if you become unemployed. This also applies to seasonal workers such as teachers and summer workers.

To claim, you need to go to the nearest OAED (Greek Manpower Services) office with the following documents:

- Greek Tax Return for previous year
- IKA or TAXI statement of 'stamps' paid for previous 2 years
- Health book
- ID or Passport
- Resident permit
- A letter from your employer stating when you finished work

Your papers will be taken and processed and you will be told when to return to collect your first payment, usually 2 months after, and thereafter monthly for a maximum of 7 months.

Unemployment benefit is a standard amount, depending on family status. For a single person it is around 300 Euros per month and for a person with 2 dependent children approximately 400 Euros.

--

Information courtesy of Carol Palioudaki, author of The Cool Guide to Living in Crete, available at www.livingincrete.net

Got something to add to this section? Spotted something which should be changed? Please let us know!

Click here to return to the contents page for "Greece - an expatriate guide."