SAEK Housing Allowance: Increase in Beneficiaries and Amounts

Everything you need to know before applying

With the publication of the new circular for the academic year 2024-2025, the SAEK housing allowance enters a new era, becoming fairer and more accessible. The state is actively supporting students by expanding geographical criteria and increasing available funds, which now reach 2 million euros. 💰

What are the dates and the submission process?

Online applications will be submitted from 02/03/2026 to 20/03/2026 via the platform stegastiko.minedu.gov.gr. It is crucial that the application receives a protocol number, while the necessary physical supporting documents must be submitted to the SAEK secretariat by 27/03/2026. 💡

Who is considered a beneficiary of the allowance?

The beneficiary is usually the parent on whom the trainee is dependent. However, the student themselves can submit the application if they are an orphan, over 25 years old, or if their parents reside abroad. A significant element is the expansion of limits: the lease can now concern any area within the regional unit where the school is based, solving problems for students in remote areas.

How is the amount determined and what applies to cohabitation?

The basic allowance amounts to €1,500. However, if the student cohabitates with another active Public SAEK trainee in the same city, the amount increases to €2,000. 🏡

• The lease must have a duration of at least 6 months.
• Verification is done automatically through interconnection with the AADE and the PEGASUS system.
• Each student is entitled to the allowance up to 3 times in total.

What should you watch out for to avoid application rejection?

Ensure that the trainee is a Greek citizen or an EU citizen and a tax resident of Greece. In case of rejection, you have the right to appeal within one month. GREEN Estate reminds you that proper preparation of documents and adherence to deadlines are the “key” to approval.

What are the new regulations for 2024-2025?

• Geographical Expansion: The lease is now recognized throughout the entire regional unit of the school and not just in the same municipality, increasing the number of beneficiaries by 10%. 🏡
• Simplification via AADE: The majority of the supporting documents are verified automatically through system interconnection, reducing the need for physical documents.
• Grant Limit: Each trainee can now receive the allowance up to three (3) times in total and for only one specialty.
• Cohabitation Provision: In the case of cohabitation with another SAEK student, the amount is increased by €500, reaching a total of €2,000. 💰
• Attica/Thessaloniki Facilitation: Specific kilometric distances are defined (40km and 20km respectively) that allow for the allowance to be received even within the same region under certain conditions. 💡

What are the specific necessary supporting documents and verification criteria?

In order for the SAEK housing allowance to be approved, the process includes both automatic digital checks and the submission of documents to the school’s secretariat. 💡

Solemn Declaration: The applicant declares digitally that the student does not already hold another higher education degree and is not simultaneously receiving a student housing allowance.

Automatic Check (Interoperability): Through AADE and the PEGASUS system, income criteria, tax residence, and the status of the active trainee are automatically cross-referenced. 💻

Lease Agreement: It must be in effect for at least six (6) months and must have been concluded within the academic year 2024-2025. The Tax Identification Number (AFM) of the lessee must be identical to that of the beneficiary parent or the student. 🏠

Geographical Restriction: The property must be located in the same regional unit as the SAEK and in a city different from the student’s primary residence (distances >40km for Attica and >20km for Thessaloniki are exempt).

Special Cases: Submission to the secretariat is required for divorce decrees, death certificates, or certificates of family status (if not found electronically), as well as a certificate of studies for the cohabitant in case of cohabitation. 📄