The payment of increased widows’ pensions in Greece has begun, ending the 10-year policy that resulted in reduced payouts to beneficiaries, the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Security has announced.

A legislative proposal was submitted by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Niki Kerameus, last July that sought to abolish cuts to widows’ pensions after three years, alongside ensuring the independence of insurance rights and removal of financial burdens.

Under the previous policy, the pensions widows would receive from their partner’s savings would be reduced from 70 per cent to 35 per cent after three years.

The new law will see the widows’ pension being reinstated back up to 70 per cent, with an estimated 8,500 people seeing their pensions restored to pre-cut levels.

Furthermore, children who have lost both parents will be entitled to one full state pension instead of half, and will therefore see the amount of their state pension doubled.

"We are abolishing a great social injustice of 10 years, which has afflicted thousands of families,” Kerameus said.

“We are restoring the distortions created by the Tsipras-Katrougalos law. Thousands of widows’ pension beneficiaries are now freed from a regime of uncertainty and hostage-taking.

“As of today, thousands of our fellow citizens who after three years saw their widow's pension fall from 70 per cent to 35 per cent, will receive it again at 70 per cent.

“At the same time, we are protecting more than 75,000 pensioners who were at risk of suffering the same cut. We are restoring stability, security and mutual trust between citizens and the state.”

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