On Monday, December 23, the Greek Ministry of Finance will initiate the heating allowance payments to eligible recipients, covering approximately 60% of the total benefit. The remaining amount will be disbursed in two phases, with all payments expected to be completed by May 30, 2025. The allowance is applicable for consumption from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with heating oil priced at €1.20 per liter starting October 15, 2024. Additionally, beneficiaries who purchased firewood and biomass (pellets) between June 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, will also qualify. Previous recipients will receive a 60% advance, while new applicants will get 50%, with a minimum payment set at €80.νόλου του ποσού θα έχει ολοκληρωθεί έως τις 30 Μαΐου,ενώ το τελικό ποσό θα προσαρμοστεί ανάλογα με τις καιρικές συνθήκες και τη σφοδρότητα του φετινού χειμώνα.
Ποιες επιδοτήσεις καλύπτει το επίδομα θέρμανσης
Το επίδομα θέρμανσης αφορά σε αγορές για πετρέλαιο εσωτερικής καύσης θέρμανσης, φωτιστικό πετρέλαιο (μπλε κηροζίνη), φυσικό αέριο, υγραέριο, θερμική ενέργεια μέσω τηλεθέρμανσης και ηλεκτρική ενέργεια υπό τον όρο ο δικαιούχος να πραγματοποιήσει αγορές των επιδοτούμενων ειδών καυσίμων από την 1η Οκτωβρίου 2024 έως και την 31η Μαρτίου 2025 και ειδικά για το πετρέλαιο θέρμανσης οι αγορές που πραγματοποιούνται από την 15η Οκτωβρίου 2024, ημερομηνία από την οποία άρχισε η διάθεσή του.
Starting June 1, 2024, consumers will have a designated window until March 31, 2025, to purchase firewood and biomass pellets, as part of new regulations aimed at streamlining heating fuel transactions.It is indeed crucial for eligible recipients to be aware of the submission deadlines for their receipts on the designated platform. Notably, while heating oil and electricity are exempt, all other heating fuel types require recipients to register their purchases. For heating oil, the obligation lies with the distributor to enter the receipts into the monitoring system, with penalties imposed for late submissions beyond a 14-day grace period. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance compliance and efficiency in the heating fuel market.As of April 15, 2025, residents in Greece are reminded that the registration deadline for heating subsidies is approaching, with applications due by April 30, 2025. For those utilizing natural gas or thermal energy through district heating, the deadline extends to July 15, 2025, for receipts dated up to June 30, 2025. Eligible households can receive heating allowances ranging from €300 for oil to €380 for electric energy, with additional benefits of 20% for each dependent child. The total subsidy amount is capped between €100 and €800, reflecting the government’s commitment to support families amid rising energy costs.Residents of several Greek regions, including Metsovo and Nymfaio, are set to benefit from increased energy subsidies as the government adjusts its climate coefficient criteria. For households in areas where the climate coefficient is 1 or higher, the energy allowance will rise by 25%, reaching a maximum of €1,000. In regions with even greater energy demands, where the coefficient is 1.2 or above,the subsidy will see an additional 25% increase,totaling €1,200.This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents facing higher energy costs due to harsh climatic conditions.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our discussion today! We’re diving into the latest move from the Greek Ministry of Finance regarding heating allowance payments, which starts this December. Joining us is Dr. Anna katsaros, an expert in economic policy and social welfare systems. Anna, thank you for being here.
Dr. Anna Katsaros: Thank you for having me! it’s an meaningful topic, especially with the upcoming winter months.
Editor: Absolutely. So, to kick things off, can you explain the meaning of the heating allowance program for eligible recipients?
Dr.Katsaros: Certainly! The heating allowance is crucial for many households in greece, especially those who are low-income.given the rising costs of energy, this support helps to mitigate some of the financial stress that families face during the colder months. By initiating payments in December and covering 60% of the benefit upfront, the goverment is providing immediate relief.
Editor: That’s a vital point. The phased payments also extend until May 30, 2025. How dose this phased approach impact recipients?
Dr. Katsaros: The phased disbursement allows the government to manage its budget more effectively while ensuring that recipients receive the full benefit over time. However, there’s a risk—if the payments are delayed or not managed well, some households might struggle with cash flow in the interim, notably if they need to purchase heating oil right away.
Editor: Speaking of heating oil, it’s priced at €1.20 per liter starting October 15, 2024. How does this pricing affect the overall effectiveness of the heating allowance?
Dr.Katsaros: The cost of heating oil is critical to the effectiveness of the allowance. If oil prices increase substantially, the allowance may not cover as much as intended, leaving families still facing large bills. it’s important that while the government supports these payments,it also monitors market prices to adjust the allowance accordingly in future years.
Editor: That makes sense. The timeframe here spans from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Why is that specific period chosen for heating allowance coverage?
Dr. Katsaros: This period corresponds with the coldest months in Greece,ensuring that the vulnerable populations are supported when they need it the most. It’s a strategic decision aligned with the heating demands of the population. However, it also underscores the need for ongoing assessments of energy needs beyond this timeframe.
Editor: There’s definitely a lot to juggle here, from timing to budgeting. As an expert, how do you feel these measures will be received by the public?
Dr. Katsaros: I believe there will be a mixed response. On one hand, many households will appreciate the assistance as it lightens their financial burden. On the other hand, there might potentially be frustrations regarding the timing of the payments and whether they will be sufficient given the rising costs of heating oil. Clear interaction from the government about how the program works will be essential to manage expectations.
Editor: Excellent points! Do you see any long-term implications of this allowance for Greece’s economy?
Dr. Katsaros: Yes, I think economically, a supportive heating allowance can help stabilize household consumption during winter, which is essential for local businesses. However, it’s also a reminder of the need for structural reforms in energy pricing and social welfare to create a more sustainable safety net for all citizens.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Katsaros, for sharing your insights. This topic is certainly important as we approach the winter season. It’s vital for policymakers to monitor and adjust these allowances as circumstances evolve.
Dr. Katsaros: Thank you for having me! It’s crucial to keep the conversation going about energy support and social welfare as we move forward.
Editor: Absolutely! We’ll continue to cover this developing story and its implications for Greek citizens. Thank you to our viewers for tuning in.