Greek Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Domna Michailidou has announced that applications are open for Greece's permanent Personal Assistant program for disabled citizens.
The online application portal launched on August 26 and will remain active until November 27, 2026, allowing eligible individuals to receive up to 1,940 euros per month following an individualized assessment.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries are permitted to select up to four personal assistants to assist them with their daily routines.
Assistance model and daily impact
In an opinion article published in the Greek daily newspaper Kathimerini, Michailidou explained that personal assistants do not make decisions on behalf of disabled individuals. Instead, she said the program supports beneficiaries so they can make their own choices regarding how they organize their day, travel, pursue education, work, and engage in social life on their own terms.
Michailidou highlighted the difference in daily life between non-disabled individuals and those living with disabilities. She noted that while most people can decide spontaneously when to leave home or visit a supermarket, disabled individuals often depend on whether someone is willing and available to assist them.
The minister also emphasized the relief the initiative provides to family members. She stated that for years, the burden of care rested almost exclusively on relatives, particularly mothers. The personal assistant framework provides mothers with greater peace of mind knowing their children receive necessary care, while also granting them more personal time.
Evaluation and nationwide expansion
Greece initially launched the personal assistant initiative as a pilot project in 2022 to evaluate its effectiveness. The ministry conducted systematic consultations with disabled participants, their families, and assistants to assess performance.
As part of the evaluation, the government commissioned a study by the University of Piraeus, a public research university located in Piraeus, Greece. According to the university study, 97 percent of participants reported a significant improvement in daily functionality, while 94 percent noted an overall enhancement in their quality of life. Michailidou stated that the study also identified specific areas requiring structural adjustments.
Following the trial phase, Michailidou confirmed that the government listened to feedback, tested the model in practice, made necessary corrections, and established the personal assistant role as a permanent national institution across Greece.
Staffing reforms and remote coverage
Greece currently has slightly more than 2,000 personal assistants nationwide. The ministry aims to increase this workforce and achieve a more balanced distribution across regions.
To attract more workers to the role, the government implemented two major changes. Authorities increased worker pay and granted permission, under specific conditions, for relatives to act as personal assistants in small island and mountainous communities where finding external caregivers is difficult.
Addressing broader social policy goals, Michailidou stated that while financial assistance remains essential for vulnerable citizens, social policy must actively participate in daily life by removing obstacles and offering citizens tools for autonomy.
