Benefits: “Recipients” being “tagged” – What the new registry will do

By the end of 2026, the new National Registry of Benefits and Subsidies is expected to be ready—a digital platform that will gather all benefits for each citizen, aiming to limit overpayments and unjustified subsidies.

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is already responsible for implementing the entire plan, which includes developing and operating the platform, as well as collecting and managing data related to benefits and subsidies, which currently exceed 13 billion euros annually.

Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of Fiscal Policy has set up a Working Group to support the implementation and development of the Registry. This Working Group will play a multi-dimensional role, covering both the pilot phase and the full application of the system.

During the pilot phase, the group will assist in addressing regulatory and operational issues, with a focus on coordination between the involved bodies, such as AADE and other organizations.

After the pilot phase is completed, the group will process the resulting conclusions and propose any necessary regulatory or administrative interventions. It will also assist in preparing a Report of Activities and an Evaluation of Results, providing quantitative data, analysis of problems, and improvement proposals.

The Platform

It should be noted that the new digital system will record basic personal information (such as name, tax ID number, family status, and financial data), as well as information for each benefit: type, amount, issuing body, and payment dates.

The goal is to identify cases of benefits being paid to ineligible individuals, either due to higher incomes or significant assets, and to avoid multiple payments for the same need.

Particular emphasis will also be placed on the potential merging of benefits with similar objectives, such as housing allowances, to make the system more efficient and fair, with better targeting towards vulnerable groups.

Until now, benefits have been provided by different bodies, with separate platforms and criteria, which complicates having a complete view of the system. Given that Greece spends comparatively less on family benefits than other EU countries, the goal is to make better use of available resources.

Citizen Service

Through the gov.gr platform, beneficiaries will also be able to stay updated on approved benefits, payments, and any pending issues.

In the initial phase, the system will include basic benefits (such as child allowances, housing benefits, heating subsidies, and unemployment benefits), while it will gradually expand to include all social subsidies.

However, with full implementation, all relevant authorities will be required to continuously update the Registry, ensuring that the information remains current.

Specifically, organizations like OPEKA (the National Organization for Social Care) and DYPA (the Public Employment Service) will regularly transmit data on the types of benefits, amounts, duration of payments, and recipients. Benefits will be categorized by type, social purpose, and eligibility criteria, with any changes in income, assets, or family status leading to automatic reevaluation of eligibility.