Most Greeks aged 50-74 are facing their later years without an old-age pension. According to a survey by the National Statistical Service of Greece, only 31.2% of people in this age group are receiving a national pension, leaving the majority without financial support.
To qualify for an old-age pension in Greece, one must have completed 40 years of insured work (12,000 days). The survey revealed that of those who receive pensions, most (77.3%) retired by choice as soon as they were eligible, while 15% were forced into retirement due to age limits.
The survey also found many pensioners continue working. Of those aged 50-74, 31.6% receive a pension, but 0.8% are still part of the workforce, largely driven by financial need (32.9%) or the comfort of additional income (14.0%). Pensioners who keep working makeup 1.8% of the entire Greek labor force.
The average monthly pension is €816.95, with only about 30% of pensioners earning more than €1,000. These pensions were hit hard during Greece’s decade-long financial crisis, as international lenders imposed austerity and the government made 10 different cuts to state pensions to meet markers.
The survey found a noted difference in pension distribution by age and gender. Before age 54, less than 5% of people receive an old-age pension, but that number climbs steadily for both men and women until age 60. Beyond that age however, men are far more likely to receive a pension, with 90.1% of males aged 74 receiving a pension compared to 63.7% of women.
The average retirement age in Greece is 58.6 years, though people with higher education tend to retire earlier. Retirement ages also vary significantly depending on occupation and region. For example, skilled agricultural workers retire at around 65.6 years of age, while technicians tend to stop working at around 59.0. Regionally, Attica sees the youngest average retirement age, while Crete, Western Greece, and the Ionian Islands have some of the oldest.
There may be some changes to the pension system on the horizon. This summer, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced plans for a general pension increase, along with targeted assistance for those impacted by the “personal difference” rule.
Source: tovima.com
Latest News
Motor Oil & TERNA Energy Unite to Build Greece’s First Offshore Wind Farm
This strategic move highlights both groups' commitment to advancing Greece's offshore wind energy sector and achieving the nation’s clean energy goals.
Evangelos Marinakis: ‘Each new summit we conquer allows us to see further still’
The success of the Public Offer and the broad participation of the investing public is both a vindication of, and a vote of confidence in, our vision,' expressed Marinakis.
Thousands Demand Justice in Tempi Protests Across Greece
Holding up placards and signs with “I can’t breathe” or “Justice” on them, Greek citizens flocked to Syntagma Square in front of the country’s Parliament to express their anger about what many claim was a cover-up in the course of the investigations to determine the culpable parties
Carmine Di Noia (OECD): The development of the Greek capital market has been impressive
Carmine di Noia, Director of Financial and Enterprise Affairs at OECD, congratulates Greece on its performance in recent years
Parking Violations Soar in Western Greece, Hampering Accessibility
In 2024, there was a sharp increase in the number of parking violations obstructing sidewalks and accessibility ramps across Western Greece.
Israel Releases 200 Palestinians Prisoners Saturday in Ceasefire Deal
On Saturday, Israel released 200 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for four female Israeli soldiers.
No Clear Conclusion in First Round of Presidential Election in Greek Parliament
None of the four candidates for president managed to secure the required 200 votes, and the process is set to continue in the coming days.
Greek Authorities Seize 29kg of COC in Thessaloniki
The inspectors, in collaboration with Hellenic Police law enforcement agents, immediately seized the narcotics and notified the competent prosecutorial authority
Driving License Issuance and Renewal Now Online
The process for issuing and renewing Greek car and motorcycle driving licenses has been streamlined with the introduction of an online application.
Archbishop Anastasios of Albania Dies at 95
Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, a prominent cleric, theologian, and scholar, died at the age of 95 on Saturday.