The months-long delays in the payment of maternity benefits are sparking strong reactions, with mothers complaining that they remain without financial support even three months after the birth of their child. The issue was highlighted on the “Alpha Kalimera” show, with the Minister of Labor acknowledging the problem and setting a goal of paying the benefits within one month.
Speaking on the program, the Chief Social Security Officer, Andri Pavlou, acknowledged the delays, noting that “we are aware that there are delays in processing applications for maternity benefits.” As she explained, “we are currently reviewing applications submitted through early July,” clarifying that a few individual applications from May remain pending, mainly due to missing information or discrepancies between the applicants’ statements and those of their employers.
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Referring to the reasons for the delays, Ms. Pavlou acknowledged that the departments are understaffed, revealing that “at this time, the team reviewing maternity benefits consists of about three people.” At the same time, she noted that the modernization of information systems occasionally causes technical problems, despite the fact that online application submission has been operational since April 6. She emphasized, however, that understaffing is no excuse for delays in the payment of benefits.
She urged those concerned to submit their applications starting in the 25th week of pregnancy and to ensure that the required employer declaration has been submitted, as well as that they have informed the authorities of the actual date of delivery. As she explained, the absence of this information is a common cause of delays. In cases of errors or necessary corrections, he recommended contacting 1450, through which application details can be corrected immediately so that their review can proceed.
The Minister’s Response
For his part, the Minister of Labor, Marinos Mousiouttas, acknowledged that improvements are needed in the payment of maternity, unemployment, and sickness benefits, noting that the goal is to have them paid within one month. “We are making continuous efforts. Yes, improvements are needed. And the goal is to be able to pay these benefits within a month,” he said, assuring that the difference will be noticeable within the next month. At the same time, he acknowledged the staff shortage and the increased workload, as a significant number of employees are currently working on the pension reform, while emphasizing, however, that “this is no excuse.”
Mr. Mousiouttas also addressed the rejections of applications, revealing that approximately 15% of mothers who apply do not receive the benefit, mainly due to existing insurance requirements related to prior employment. “With the upcoming reform, this will change, so that the criteria for a mother to be eligible for this benefit will be made easier,” she noted, announcing changes that will make it easier for more mothers to access the benefit.
