With the value of vouchers for infant, infant-toddler and childcare centres rising by 10%, higher income thresholds and the removal of the income cap on reduced-value vouchers for families with three children, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs is extending support for parents in 2026–2027.
The new Joint Ministerial Decision raises the income thresholds for full-value and reduced-value vouchers by €2,000, while extending to families with three children the option of receiving a reduced-value voucher regardless of income, as is already the case for larger families. A second call for applications will also follow, giving more families the chance to join the programme.
“We have secured more support for families with children. We are increasing the value of vouchers for infant-toddler and childcare centres by 10%, raising the income thresholds by €2,000 and removing the income cap on reduced-value vouchers for families with three children. This is another step towards enabling more parents to access early childhood care, work and better organise their daily lives. We are particularly supporting families raising three or more children because we know their needs are greater and want to give them more opportunities,” said Domna Michailidou, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs.
Voucher values increased
The 10% increase applies to both full-value and reduced-value vouchers for the specified categories of infant, infant-toddler and childcare centres. For example, the amount for an infant place with meals rises from €3,239 to €3,563, while that for a preschool place with meals goes up from €2,612 to €2,873. The value of a reduced-value voucher also increases, from €2,178 to €2,396.
The increase will be applied automatically to vouchers that have already been issued, with no need to submit a new application. In addition, reduced-value vouchers already issued will automatically be upgraded to full-value vouchers if the families now meet the higher income thresholds.
The income thresholds for full-value vouchers are rising by €2,000, to €29,000 for families with up to two children, €32,000 for families with three children, €35,000 for families with four children and €38,000 for those with five or more.
Income thresholds
For reduced-value vouchers, the income threshold for families with up to two children is rising from €35,000 to €37,000. The €38,000 cap that applied to families with three children is also being removed. Families with three children can therefore now apply for a reduced-value voucher regardless of income, as is already the case for larger families, provided they meet the programme’s other requirements.
Under the new criteria, the Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government (EETAA) will issue a second call for applications for 2026–2027, allowing families that meet the new requirements and have not already received a voucher to apply.
With these changes, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs is widening access to early childhood education and strengthening support for parents in their daily lives, with particular care for families with more children.
The Joint Ministerial Decision is co-signed by Domna Michailidou, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs; Nikos Papathanasis, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance; Thanos Petralias, Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance; Theodoros Livanios, Minister of the Interior; Paraskevi Charalambogianni, Deputy Minister of the Interior; and Dimitris Papastergiou, Minister of Digital Governance.