Applicants have until December 6 to apply for the heating allowance through the AADE “myΘέρμανση” platform. About 1.3 million eligible households can receive an advance of up to 60% of the total amount by December 23 (percentage varies based on whether applicants are previous or new recipients). The second installment will be paid in April for the remaining amount. The total budget amounts to €270 million.

This year’s allowance covers all forms of heating, including oil, natural gas, firewood, pellets, district heating, and electricity, with a 20% increase for electricity subsidies.

The National Meteorological Service will provide cold weather data to the Ministry to ensure higher subsidies for regions with greater needs, up to €1,200, an increase from the previous €1,000. Due to increased energy demands in areas with a climate index equal to or greater than one, which are considered “cold areas,” the allowance is increased by 25%, but it cannot exceed €1,000.

A significant change this year is the adjustment of the allowance based on updated climate data. Areas facing more severe cold during the winter months will receive a higher subsidy to cover their increased energy needs. This ensures a fairer distribution of the allowance, taking into account the actual weather conditions.

Specifically, due to even higher energy needs in settlements with a climate index equal to or greater than 1.2, where very low temperatures prevail, the allowance increases by 25% and cannot exceed €1,200.

Closing According to a joint ministerial decision, the first installment of €150 million will be paid on December 23, while the second installment of €120 million will be paid in May after reviewing the weather data.

The 6 Key Points for the Heating Allowance

1. Income Criteria:
   • For singles, the income limit is €16,000; for married couples, it’s €24,000, with an additional €5,000 per child. For example, a household with one child has a limit of €29,000, with two children, €34,000, while for single-parent families, the limit is €29,000 plus €5,000 per child. For business owners, the annual turnover limit is €80,000.
2. Asset Criteria:
   • Real estate should not exceed €200,000 for singles, €240,000 for married couples, with an increase of €40,000 per child. For example, the limit for a family with two children is €320,000.
3. Subsidy Amount:
   • The maximum subsidy amount is €1,200, increased from last year’s €1,000, with bonuses for regions experiencing extreme cold.
4. Base Allowance:
   • The allowance for heating oil is set at €300 (down from €350 last year) and varies by region. For pellets, the amount is €360, and for natural gas, it’s €325. In mountainous areas, the allowance for firewood remains at €350.
5. Electricity Allowance:
   • The allowance for heating with electricity is 20% higher compared to oil and is set at €380, influenced by the area’s temperature. The higher electricity allowance is due to its lower environmental impact compared to oil.
6. Advance Payment and Full Settlement:
   • Advance Payment: The first installment will be paid by December 23, 2024, as follows:
     • Previous recipients will receive 60% of the heating allowance they received during the 2023-2024 winter season.
     • Households using electricity will receive 100% of the amount, not exceeding 60% of their total entitlement this year, with a minimum of €80.
     New recipients will receive 50% of their entitled amount, with a minimum of €80.
   • The remaining allowance will be paid:
     • By May 30, 2025, for purchases made between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, provided the invoices are issued by April 15, 2025, and necessary details are submitted by April 30, 2025.
     • By July 30, 2025, for natural gas purchases made between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, with invoices issued by June 30, 2025, and data submitted by July 15, 2025.

Note: Each recipient is entitled to a subsidy for only one type of heating fuel, district heating, or electric heating.

The allowance is granted on the condition that purchases are made between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Specifically, for heating oil, the purchase date starts from October 15, 2024, when its distribution begins. Exceptionally, for firewood and biomass (pellets), the allowance is granted for purchases made between June 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. For heating oil, the price is set at €1.2 per liter.

Application

Applicants must submit their requests through the AADE digital platform to be included in the Heating Allowance Beneficiary Registry. The application should include the following information:

• Applicant’s Tax Identification Number (TIN),
• Full name,
• Number of dependent children,
• Indication if it’s an apartment building,
• Electricity supply number of the primary residence,
• Postal address corresponding to the electricity supply, specifying if the residence is owned, rented, or provided free of charge, along with the TIN of the lessor or donor,
• Square footage of the main residence at the time of application,
• The type of heating fuel or thermal/electric energy for subsidy,
• Contact information (email address, mobile or landline number).