Child Benefit 2025: Payment Dates & OPEKA Application Guide

22/05/2025
Child Benefit 2025 OPEKA payment support
Child Benefit 2025 OPEKA payment support

The Child Benefit 2025 is a vital support for thousands of Greek parents. Are you a dad or mom wondering when the benefit will be paid, what the new amounts are, and how to secure the maximum amount? At daddylife.gr, we provide all the answers in this comprehensive guide!

When is the Child Benefit 2025 Paid?

The Child Benefit (A21) is disbursed by OPEKA every two months, typically on the last working day of the second month of each bimonthly period. Funds are available in your account from the afternoon of the previous working day. Here are the official payment dates for 2025:

  • 1st installment (January-February): March 31, 2025 (available from March 28)
  • 2nd installment (March-April): May 30, 2025 (available from May 29)
  • 3rd installment (May-June): July 31, 2025
  • 4th installment (July-August): September 30, 2025
  • 5th installment (September-October): November 28, 2025
  • 6th installment (November-December): December 19-24, 2025 (before Christmas)

What to Do if There's a Delay

If you don't see the funds in your account within 2-3 working days after the official date, contact OPEKA at 1555. Common reasons for delays include:

  • Incomplete or incorrect application details.
  • Failure to update changes (e.g., new child, address change).
  • Issues with your bank account (IBAN).

Important: Since May 2025, the benefit is paid via a prepaid card, which can be used for specific expenses (e.g., purchasing goods for children).

Child Benefit 2025 Amounts – What's Changed

Since 2025, the Child Benefit has increased, offering greater support to families. The third income bracket has merged with the second, resulting in the following amounts:

  • 1st and 2nd child: 75€/month (1st bracket) or 45€/month (2nd bracket).
  • 3rd child and above: 90€/month (2nd bracket).

Example Calculation

Family with 3 children, in the 2nd income bracket:

  • 1st child: 45€/month
  • 2nd child: 45€/month
  • 3rd child: 90€/month
    Total: 180€/month (360€ per bimonthly period).

Income Limits for Child Benefit 2025

The benefit is granted based on the annual family income (tax year 2023 or 2024, depending on the application). The limits have been adjusted:

  • Family with 1 child: Up to 16,000€ (with a 20% reduction if both parents work).
  • Each additional child: +3,000€ to the limit.
    Included: Salaries, pensions, rental income, or business income.
    Excluded: Benefits like Minimum Guaranteed Income or Housing Allowance.

How to Secure Extra Money

As parents, you can combine the Child Benefit with other benefits to boost your monthly income:

  1. Housing Allowance: If you rent, you can receive 70-210€/month, depending on your family status.
  2. Heating Allowance: Ranges from 100€ to 800€ for 2025, with priority for Child Benefit recipients.
  3. Minimum Guaranteed Income: If eligible, you can receive additional support (up to 200€/month for families with children).

How to Apply for Child Benefit 2025

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Submit Tax Return (E1): The benefit is calculated based on dependent children and declared income.
  2. Log into the Platform: Access www.idika.gr or www.opeka.gr with your Taxisnet credentials.
  3. Complete Application (A21):
    • Enter your children's details (birth certificate, AMKA).
    • Add your IBAN (you must be the account holder or co-holder).
    • Verify your children's attendance (mandatory for ages 4-16).
  4. Final Submission: Don't forget to submit the application definitively—saved drafts are not considered.

Deadlines to Know

  • The platform for the 2nd installment closed on April 30, 2025.
  • For subsequent installments, the platform reopens after each payment. Stay updated with OPEKA announcements!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Failure to Update Changes: Report new births or family status changes immediately.
  2. Incorrect Details: Double-check your IBAN and children's information.
  3. Exceeding Income Limits: If your income exceeds the limit, you may lose the benefit.

Useful Tips for Dads

  • Stay Updated: Regularly visit opeka.gr for the latest news.
  • Combine Benefits: Don't miss out on Housing or Heating Allowances—worth 100-300€/month extra.

Conclusion

The Child Benefit 2025 is a key support for every Greek family. With the right steps, you can secure the maximum amount and combine it with other benefits like Housing Allowance for additional support. Stay informed, meet deadlines, and make the most of what OPEKA offers!

Last updated: May 2025