Social Tourism Program DYPAS 2025: Provisional Lists for Self-Employed Pensioners Announced

Today, Thursday (May 22, 2025), the provisional lists of beneficiaries, recipients, and exclusions for the Public Employment Service’s (DYPAS) Social Tourism Program aimed at self-employed pensioners (former OAEE) were published. Eligible applicants who submitted their participation requests in the Social Tourism Program can file a single appeal against the provisional results tomorrow, Friday (May 23, 2025), from 8:00 AM to 11:59 PM exclusively online. The process involves navigating to Home / Work and Insurance / Benefits and Compensation / Social Tourism Programs for Pensioners eEFKA (former OAEE). Those submitting an electronic appeal must clearly state the reason for their objection, in conjunction with the rejection reason (e.g., incorrect classification, fulfillment of participation criteria, etc.), and substantiate their claims by attaching scanned supporting documents to their appeal. Supporting documentation is required in every case. The method for proving the fulfillment of participation requirements and classification criteria is outlined in a document that applicants should consult for proper attachment of supporting evidence. Appeals not filed electronically will not be considered. The program begins earlier this year on June 1, 2025, and runs until May 31, 2026. It covers 25,000 vouchers with a total budget of €3 million. Beneficiaries are eEFKA – former OAEE pensioners obligated to pay a corresponding contribution of €1 for this benefit (para. 5 of article 69 of law 3863/2010). Each beneficiary and recipient receives a unique voucher number for participation in the program. Beneficiaries/recipients can book up to six overnight stays at a tourist accommodation of their choice from the ‘Provider Registry’ of DYPAS, following agreement with the provider, with a small private contribution. In specific areas like Leros, Lesbos, Chios, Kos, Samos, and Rhodes, up to ten free nights can be booked, while in municipalities such as Istiaia-Aidipsos and Mantoudi-Limni-Ag. Anna in Viotia, and regional units of Magnesia, Karditsa, Larissa, Trikala, and Evros, up to twelve free nights are available. Rates increase by 20% in August and during Christmas (Dec 15, 2025-Jan 14, 2026) and Easter (Apr 3-19, 2026) periods. The increased rate applies year-round for accommodations in Viotia, Evros, and Thessaly (excluding Sporades). Ferry tickets are also subsidized, with a 25% contribution from beneficiaries. Tickets are free for people with disabilities. For more information, interested parties can visit the official website.