In a landmark move toward equality and inclusion, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that the age restrictions on the monthly Deafness Allowance have been officially abolished, on Monday, April 14. The announcement came during his visit to the National Foundation for the Deaf (EIK), where he was briefed on the organization’s vital work.
Until now, the 391 euros monthly Deafness Allowance was only granted to children aged 0 to 18 and again to pensioners over 65, leaving a significant gap in support for deaf individuals in the intervening years.
With the new policy, all deaf citizens with a certified disability rate of 67% or higher will now be eligible for the allowance, regardless of age. This reform addresses a long-standing demand of the Hellenic Federation of the Deaf.
“This is a correction of a historic injustice,” the prime minister said, highlighting the need for equal treatment of all citizens, regardless of age or disability. He praised the Foundation’s efforts, particularly its individualized support programs for young children diagnosed with hearing issues, and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for seamless integration into education and society.
In 2023, the deafness allowance, along with all disability benefits, was increased by 8%—the first rise in over a decade—reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring equal access to society and the labor market.
Mitsotakis was welcomed at the Foundation by its President, Venettta Lampropoulou, who provided an overview of its multifaceted work. The prime minister engaged with staff and learned more about the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Greece.
Kostas Simpsis, President of the Hellenic Federation of the Deaf, expressed his gratitude, calling the day “historic” for the deaf community. “This injustice is being corrected thanks to your initiative,” he told the prime minister. “Today marks a significant milestone in the fight for equal treatment of all social groups.”
