The long-awaited 2024-2025 heating benefit payments started on December 23, 2024, providing financial assistance to over 850,000 eligible recipients across Greece. With winter's chill setting in, this assistance aims to help cover the rising costs associated with heating oil, natural gas, and electricity.
According to sources, as reported by ERT, the heating allowance varies based on the type of heating used by households. Recipients using electricity can receive up to 380 euros, whereas those using biomass (pellets) can get up to 360 euros and those using heating oil can receive 300 euro, with higher amounts available for households facing particularly low temperatures.
The first installment of the heating benefit, approximately 150 million euros, will cover about 60% of the total benefit for previous year recipients, and around 50% for new beneficiaries, with the minimum payment set at 80 euros. The total benefit is expected to reach up to 1,200 euros for recipients living in areas facing extreme weather conditions, such as Metsovo, Velouchi, and Nymfaio.
For the upcoming winter season, the heating allowance has been structured to be more responsive to actual energy needs. The payment supports households for heating oil, kerosene, natural gas, liquid gas, wood, biomass, and thermal energy through district heating, relevant from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. It’s the first year the subsidy for electricity will be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts instead of being applied as discounts on electricity bills.
Payments initiated from noon on December 23, 2024, are expected to be completed by early evening. Some recipients might find their payments delayed until December 24, depending on their respective banks processing times. Despite potential delays, officials assured there would be no loss of funds for eligible applicants.
The schedule for subsequent payments is defined, with full settlement expected by May 30, 2025, for heating oil and other fuel purchases, and until July 30, 2025, for natural gas. Notably, calculations for the final disbursement may be adjusted based on weather conditions.
A significant number of applications have flooded the system, with 943,993 requests for heating oil and other substances, and 413,113 for electricity. Applications had to be submitted by December 6, 2024, to qualify for the heating subsidy. Each applicant must meet strict income and asset thresholds established by the Ministry of Finance to be eligible.
For unmarried individuals, the annual income ceiling to qualify for the benefit is set at 16,000 euros, whereas married couples or those living together can have incomes up to 24,000 euros, with additional allowances for children factored in.
According to the latest figures published by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), approximately 1.2 billion euros are allocated to run this scheme, which is anticipated to ease the burden on families this winter. The eligibility criteria also dictate property value limits: unmarried applicants cannot own properties valued over 250,000 euros, and families are capped at 300,000 euros.
The energy crisis has raised awareness of the necessity of this support, especially as winter approaches with soaring energy prices affecting many households financially. The heating allowance serves as significant relief and is characterized by its substantial total allocations, reflecting the urgency of assisting communities facing harsh weather.
Officials recommend all beneficiaries check the designated platform of AADE for updates and any imminent changes to their payment statuses. They stress the importance of accurately reporting any relevant data to avoid issues with future disbursements.
Greece’s government is striving to deliver assistance effectively, ensuring the funds reach those who need them the most, especially during periods of rapid change, either economically or climatically.
