Abstract

Drawing on the findings of a mixed-methods analysis, which aims to assess the implementation of the «Social Solidarity Income» (Ssi) in Greece, the present paper highlights the Ssi experience of beneficiaries in five selected municipalities (Keratsini- Drapetsona, Rethymno, Arta, Kavala and Leros). The paper seeks to add to the underdeveloped literature on the evaluation of Guaranteed Minimum Income (Gmi) schemes in Greece and sheds light upon the demographic and social characteristics of the Ssi beneficiaries, as reflected in the finding that people of productive ages, who are unemployed and poorly educated, are more likely to become Ssi recipients. More importantly, our research findings reveal, however, that the Ssi functions mostly (if not exclusively) as a monetary allowance that offers a welcome «consolation» to beneficiaries; as well as that its implementation is largely undermined by a series of shortcomings, such as the unbalanced development of the three Ssi pillars, which pose serious limitations to the impact of the scheme. These shortcomings also appear to validate arguments that consider the Ssi as a means of the welfarization of social protection in Greece, while further jeopardizing the utility of the scheme as a feature which would contribute to a sound transformation of the Greek welfare state.