The Real Requests Vulnerable Women Bring to the Accounting Service

When navigating bureaucratic procedures, applications, requirements, and deadlines, all of us have at some point felt lost. Maybe a benefit we didn’t qualify for because we missed one criterion, or a deadline we didn’t meet because we weren’t informed in time.

But what is it like for women who are unfamiliar with these processes, who have no one to guide them on what they need to do or what they’re entitled to, who speak little or no Greek, or who lack digital skills?

The Accounting Service of the Thessaloniki Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow records daily conversations related to typical requests from women participating in the program “Livelihoods Unlocked: Empowering Women through Employment” and showcases the information, guidance, and practical support it provides.

“I gave birth to my first child recently. The woman who shared the hospital room with me received some money from the state. Why didn’t I?”

Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the childbirth benefit because you are an asylum seeker.

• “So if I had been granted status and had a residence permit, would I be eligible?”

Still no, because you would need to have been living legally in Greece for the past 12 years and to have submitted 12 timely tax returns. So the woman who stayed in the room with you may meet all these requirements—or may be a Greek citizen.

“I rented a house. Can I receive the housing benefit they give for rent?”

Have you submitted all your tax returns for the past 5 years?

• Yes.

Great. Does the rental contract have your name on it?

• Yes. I gave them all my papers and they did something, but I’m not sure what…

Logging into Taxisnet with your credentials, I don’t see any rental contract under your name. Who do you live with?

• With six other women. Some of them have children.

Do you have your ID with you?

• No… They’re holding it. They only gave me a photocopy.

I understand. But you should know that no one is allowed to keep your ID. It is your personal document, and you must always have it with you. Do you have a moment to speak with the Social Service?

“My electricity bill is too high. Can we do something to reduce it?”

I see that you have a residence permit and that the electricity bill is in your name, so you meet two basic criteria for the Social Tariff. However, you haven’t submitted a tax return, which is also required. We can file your tax return now and then submit the application.

• Thank you! I also have a friend who doesn’t have a residence permit but has an asylum card. Should I tell her to come too?

Unfortunately, asylum seekers are not eligible for the Social Tariff.

“I have two children. Am I entitled to the child benefit?”

I understand you’ve been living legally and permanently in Greece for the past 5 years, which is one basic requirement. Have you submitted all your tax returns on time?

• Three years ago, I missed the deadline and submitted the return one week late. Is that a problem?

Unfortunately, yes. All tax returns must be submitted within the deadline, so you are not eligible for the child benefit.

“I heard the government will refund some of the rent I’ve paid. Is that true?”

Yes, it has been announced that one month’s rent from 2024 will be refunded. A key requirement is that the rent must have been declared in your latest tax return, and your IBAN must be registered on Taxisnet.

• I don’t have an IBAN or a bank account. Can I open one?

To open a bank account, you need to have legal employment with a contract.

• I’m not working now because I have no one to look after my baby. Can’t they open a bank account so I can receive this benefit?

Unfortunately not.

“My home is very cold. Is there any assistance to pay for heating?”

I see you’ve submitted your tax return and meet the income criteria, so we can apply for the heating benefit. Is the electricity supply in your name?

• No, it’s in my housemate’s name.

Then you will either need to change the name on the electricity bill or your housemate will need to come for the application. What type of heating do you use?

• A wood stove.

Then you must upload proof of wood purchases to the system to receive the benefit. Can you do that?

• I don’t know how…

That’s okay. If you are eligible, we’ll book another appointment and do it together.

“I’m unemployed and don’t have money for food and clothes. Where can I get help?”

Our Social Service can refer you to other services that provide food and clothing, such as your municipality or the local Community Center.

These are only some of the requests the accounting service receives every day. Behind every question lies a need for stability, fairness, and equal access to social rights.

With a holistic approach and individualized support, the accounting service aims to empower each woman, helping her understand the procedures and make use of her rights. Because at the Thessaloniki Solidarity Center, accounting is not just a service, it is a step toward autonomy and social inclusion.