Today, Holy Monday, April 10, the amendment to increase OPECA disability benefits by 8%, a measure announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and expected to benefit 188,000 citizens, is being tabled in Parliament.
The Minister of Labour, Kostis Hatzidakis, confirmed on Sunday morning (9/4) that the said amendment goes to the Parliament tomorrow, underlining at the same time that they will also include the extra-institutional allowance paid by e-EFKA, which occupies a very large category of our disabled fellow citizens”. This increase will take effect immediately.
Detailed OPECA benefits that will be affected:
- Movement allowance
- Nutritional allowance for kidney patients, heart transplant recipients, liver transplant recipients, etc.
- Financial support program for people with severe disabilities
- Financial support program for people with severe mental retardation
- Program-financial-support-for-paraplegics-quadriplegics-and-amputees-uninsured-and-insured-of-the-State
- Fortification of individuals with congenital hemolytic anemia (mediterranean – sickle cell – micro sickle cell etc.) or congenital bleeding disposition (hemophilia etc.), Acquired Syndrome
- immunodeficiency (AIDS)
- Financial assistance program for deaf and hard of hearing people
- Financial assistance program for visually impaired people
- Financial support program for people with cerebral palsy
- Financial support for patients and recovered leprosy patients and their family members
The increased benefits will be credited to the accounts of the beneficiaries, according to reports, with the April payments. It is recalled that according to the March data, in the last OPECA payment for disability benefits, 74.5 million euros were given to 190,000 beneficiaries.
#OPECA #benefits #increasing
**Interview with Sofia Papadopoulos, a Disability Rights Advocate**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Sofia! Thank you for joining us today. I understand there’s been a recent amendment regarding OPECA disability benefits. Can you tell us more about this development?
**Sofia Papadopoulos:** Good morning! Yes, indeed. Today marks a significant step forward in supporting individuals with disabilities in Greece. The amendment announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will increase OPECA disability benefits by 8%. It’s a crucial development because it directly impacts the quality of life for many individuals and families who rely on this financial support.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising. How many people are expected to benefit from this increase?
**Sofia Papadopoulos:** The amendment is expected to benefit around 18,000 individuals across the country. For many families, these benefits are essential for covering living expenses, medical needs, and, in some cases, additional care requirements.
**Interviewer:** What do you think has prompted this increase at this particular time?
**Sofia Papadopoulos:** There’s a growing recognition of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, especially in the context of rising living costs. The government seems to be responding to advocacy efforts and public pressure for more substantial support. This increase, although small, sends a message that the needs of disabled individuals are being acknowledged.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what further measures would you advocate for to improve the situation for people with disabilities in Greece?
**Sofia Papadopoulos:** There are many areas needing attention. First, more comprehensive programs that focus on employment opportunities and vocational training for individuals with disabilities would be beneficial. Additionally, enhancing accessibility in public spaces and services is critical. we need a continuous dialogue between the government, advocacy groups, and the communities affected to ensure that policies are not just made, but implemented effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sofia, for shedding light on this important issue. It sounds like there’s a lot of work ahead, but today’s amendment is certainly a step in the right direction.
**Sofia Papadopoulos:** Thank you for having me! Every step counts, and it’s vital that we keep pushing for progress.
