News story

Greek bank accounts: advice about State Pension and welfare payments

The banks have now reopened in Greece but some restrictions are still in place.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 30 June 2015
• Last updated: 6 August 2015 — See all updates

This was published under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government

This news article was withdrawn on 28 August 2015

Normal arrangements now apply to UK government payments into Greek bank accounts. If you live abroad, you can get information about benefits and pensions from the International Pension Centre

International payments into Greece are exempt from these restrictions. UK government payments, including State Pension and public service pension payments, will continue to be made into Greek accounts in the usual way.

If you live in Greece and have spoken to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently about changing your banking arrangements, you have until 28 August to complete this process. You can contact us at any time about any other changes.

Customers can contact the DWP call centre on +44 191 218 7777

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm BST

Public service pensions

If you are member of a public service pension scheme (for example NHS, teachers, or police) and draw pensions from a Greek bank account, your pension scheme provider will attempt to contact you to talk you through the options. Alternatively you can contact your pension scheme provider for more information.

More information

Get the latest information about the UK and Greece – including travel advice.

Published 30 June 2015
Last updated 6 August 2015 + show all updates

1. 6 August 2015

   Updated to say – If you live in Greece and have spoken to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently about changing your banking arrangements, you have until 28 August to complete this process. You can contact us at any time about any other changes.

2. 21 July 2015

   Added note about switching to HSBC.

3. 20 July 2015

   Amended to say that Greek banks have reopened on 20 July.

4. 17 July 2015

   Amended to say that Greek banks will be closed until at least midnight on 19 July.

5. 15 July 2015

   Amended to say that banks in Greece will be closed until at least midnight on 16 July.

6. 14 July 2015

   Amended to say that banks in Greece will be closed until at least midnight on 15 July.

7. 9 July 2015

   Updated to reflect the extension of bank closures and added a link to the FCO homepage for Greece.

8. 30 June 2015

   First published.