The government is steadily strengthening social protection policies, maintaining and increasing benefits, while at the same time expanding family support tools through targeted programs, new services and tax interventions that increase disposable income and strengthen citizens’ autonomy.

During her placement in the Special Permanent Committee of the Parliament for Social Security, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, presented the government’s strategy for a social policy that is not limited to benefit support, but invests in the strengthening of the household and the perspective of the family.

He made special reference to the return of one of the twelve rents, which comes into effect on November 1, underlining that this is an additional reinforcement of the housing allowance and not a simple increase.

The Minister presented comparative data for the two measures:

The return of one of the twelve rents, which starts on November 1, is a new, additional aid for 1 million beneficiaries, with a maximum amount of 800 euros. This measure works in addition to the housing allowance, which currently covers around 300,000 households with a maximum amount of 210 euros.

The budget for rent refunds amounts to 230 million euros, an amount that comes to be added to the total state expenditure on housing benefit which amounts to 334 million euros. The state increases by 69% the financial support of citizens for housing needs of rent subsidy.

As he pointed out, this is a permanent relief mechanism that works alongside the existing benefits, giving the beneficiaries substantial financial breathing space without requiring a new application or changing criteria.

Referring to the support for families with children, Ms. Michailidou presented the second example of support regarding the child allowance:

The tax reliefs that come into effect from 1 January 2026 are family-centred and thus work in addition to child benefit (A21) significantly increasing net disposable income.

A typical example is a large family with four children and an annual income of 38,000 euros, which currently receives 168 euros per month from child benefit (A21).

With the new tax scale, he will have an additional benefit of 360 euros per month, i.e. a total of 4,300 euros per year in addition to what he already receives.

Even a family with one child and a similar income will save around 50 euros per month, an amount greater than the lower scale of child benefit.

The Minister noted that this dual strategy — support through benefits and a parallel increase in disposable income — reflects the government’s choice to support households permanently and in a targeted manner, in a fair and efficient manner.

“Social policy is not only protection; it is also freedom. Benefits remain stable, but real progress comes when we give citizens the opportunity to move forward on their own,” said Domna Michailidou.