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Reform Support
Setting up a Guaranteed Minimum Income scheme in Greece banner

Supporting reforms to strengthen labour markets, social protection systems and migration management

Funding Programme
Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP)
Year
2016

Setting up a Guaranteed Minimum Income scheme in Greece

for the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection

The European Commission supported national authorities in their efforts to set up a guaranteed minimum income scheme designed to provide a last resort safety net for disadvantaged groups, reduce poverty and increase social inclusion.

Context

Before the introduction of a guaranteed minimum income scheme, much of the poorest section of the population received either no benefits or benefits provided on an ad-hoc basis. The guaranteed minimum income scheme now provides financial support for disadvantaged groups that meet the eligibility conditions, while promoting quality access to social services and creating incentives to seek work.

Support delivered

The support provided by the SRSS and the World Bank was delivered over 2 years in the form of short-term expert missions and long-term presence of experts on the ground.

The support measures consisted of:

  • preparing the legislation setting up the guaranteed minimum income;
  • implementing, monitoring and evaluating the guaranteed minimum income scheme, including through an IT system; 
  • training officials responsible for the implementation of the guaranteed minimum income scheme.

Results achieved

Support from the Commission delivered the following results:

  • roll-out of the national guaranteed minimum income scheme;
  • better monitoring and assessment of welfare benefits.

And had the following impact:

  • reduction in poverty and better access to social services
  • improved administrative capacity of the Ministry in charge of the scheme.