The Ministries of Finances and Labor are currently examining their options in their effort to expand the criteria for the social dividend benefit, so that a greater number of people can apply for it.
At present there are two main scenarios that the Ministries are considering. In the first scenario, the benefit will remain the same, while the income criteria of beneficiaries are increased. At present, an unmarried taxpayer’s income must be up to 6,000 euros to apply for the benefit, with rumors suggesting it may be increased to 6,500 euros.
The other plans discussed between New Democracy and PASOK officers involve decreasing the benefit as the beneficiary’s annual income increases. Original plans suggested this would result in the minimum benefit being 8 euros, however current talks indicate that the minimum benefit would be 150 euros for singles, 200 euros for couples, 250 euros for couples with one child, 300 euros for two children etc.
Meanwhile the Deputy Minister of Finances Christos Staikouras announced that the government will pay out a total of 133.2 million euros of the social dividend to 205,912 households on Friday, with the average benefit being about 647 euros. Additionally, 75,328 uniformed officers will also receive the benefit in their salary.
