Maternity benefit: What changes in the new system
Significant changes to the maternity benefit are being introduced in 2026, aiming to unify the system and eliminate inequalities between different categories of insured women. The new framework seeks to establish a single model for calculating and granting the benefit across all women working in the private sector.
The reform affects employees, self-employed professionals, freelancers, and farmers, who until now have been receiving considerably lower benefits.
New maternity benefit model for private sector employees
Under the new system, the model previously applied to insured employees of the former IKA is extended to all private sector employees, regardless of their industry or insurance fund.
Specifically:
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During the first month of maternity leave, 50% of the salary is covered by e-EFKA and the remaining 50% by the employer
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For the following three months, the cost is shared between e-EFKA and DYPA
Although the funding structure changes, the actual benefit amounts for employees in certain sectors (such as banking and public utilities) remain largely the same.
The main goal is to standardize the rules and ensure equal treatment across all insured employees.
Higher maternity benefits for self-employed professionals and farmers
The most significant changes concern non-salaried mothers.
Until now, benefits were fixed and relatively low, ranging between approximately €150–€200 per month, regardless of contributions.
Under the new framework:
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Fixed benefit amounts are abolished
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The benefit is now linked to the insurance category and contributions
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e-EFKA covers 50% of the insured income for four months
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DYPA covers the remaining 50% for three months
This means that the higher the selected insurance category, the higher the maternity benefit.
In some cases, the total benefit may be up to four times higher than before.
Maternity benefit in the public sector: What remains unchanged
No changes are expected for employees in the public sector and local government.
The five-month maternity leave with full pay continues to be fully covered by the State or the respective public employer.
The goal of the reform
The reform aims to address distortions created by the coexistence of multiple insurance regimes following the unification of funds under e-EFKA.
Its main objectives are:
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A unified method for calculating maternity benefits
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Fairer distribution of costs between employers, e-EFKA, and DYPA
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Strengthening maternity protection, especially for non-salaried women
Conclusion
The new maternity benefit framework represents an important step toward a more transparent and equitable social security system.
By linking benefits to contributions and standardizing the rules, the reform is expected to provide stronger and more meaningful support to working mothers in Greece.
Thanassis Karmiris | Payroll Manager at AFS
