Child Benefit (A21) is financial support granted by OPEKA (the Greek Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity Organisation) to families with dependent children.
Its aim is to support families and cover part of the cost of raising children.
The benefit is granted on the basis of social and financial criteria, not on the basis of social security contributions.

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WHO IS ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT
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To be entitled to child benefit you must:
• Reside legally and permanently in Greece.
• Have dependent children living in Greece.
• Submit the A21 application electronically every year.
• Meet the age or education criteria for the children.

Children who can be included in the application are:
• Biological, adopted or recognised children who are unmarried.
• Children up to 18 years old.
• Children up to 19 years old if attending secondary education.
• Children up to 24 years old if attending higher education institutions.
• Children with a disability (67% and above) regardless of age, provided the legal conditions are met.

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HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY
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The A21 application is submitted electronically through the OPEKA or IDIKA platform,
using the beneficiary’s personal TaxisNet credentials.

The application period usually starts in March each year and ends on 15 January of the following year.
If the family situation changes (e.g. birth of a child, marriage, divorce),
the beneficiary must update the application within one month.

After final submission, OPEKA checks the data and may request supporting documents.
Payment is made in six bimonthly instalments during the year.

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INCOME CRITERIA
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The amount of the benefit depends on total annual family income,
the number of dependent children and the family’s equivalence scale.

Families are classified into three income categories:

• Category A: Full benefit (€70 for the 1st and 2nd child, €140 from the 3rd child onwards).
• Category B: 60% of the amount (€42 for the 1st and 2nd child, €84 from the 3rd child onwards).
• Category C: 40% of the amount (€28 for the 1st and 2nd child, €56 from the 3rd child onwards).

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PAYMENTS
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The benefit is paid in six instalments each year, usually in:
March, May, July, September, November and January of the following year.

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USEFUL INFORMATION
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• The application is submitted only electronically through the OPEKA website (www.opeka.gr) or IDIKA (www.idika.gr).
• For each newborn child, the benefit starts being paid from the month following the birth.
• If there is a change in your details or income, the application must be updated.
• Entitlement to the benefit is checked every year on the basis of the tax return.

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SUMMARY
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Child Benefit is significant support for thousands of families in Greece.
Timely and correct submission of the A21 application ensures smooth payment of the benefit.
For any questions, you can visit the OPEKA website or contact a Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP).