Student allowance protected from confiscation or debt clearance

Description

Citizens have complained for confiscation of the student allowance granted to low-income families with children in compulsory education, due to debts of the family to the Greek State or third parties.

The Ombudsman pointed out that the rationale behind the provision of this allowance was to support low-income families and prevent school dropping-out. Therefore, this allowance should be explicitly protected from confiscation or debt clearance.

The Ombudsman welcomes the enactment of Law 4413/2016, stating that the student allowance is protected from confiscation and is not subject to taxation or deductions in favour of the State or third parties.