Budgets 2026: New retirement requirements and key changes to the NHIF

28.07.2026 | Legislative changes

The 2026 budgets for the State Social Security and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) have been published. Learn about the new retirement ages, the increase in healthcare spending, and why a veto on the state budget is being discussed.

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The 2026 budgets of the State Social Insurance (SSI) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are now a fact

The budgets of the State Social Insurance (SSI) and the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for 2026 have been officially promulgated. The financial parameters set a new direction for social payments and healthcare in the country.

Key changes to pensions

In 2026, 13.503 billion euros have been allocated for the payment of pensions and supplements – an increase of nearly 1.179 billion euros compared to the previous year. Retirement conditions are also changing:

The expenditures set in the NHIF budget mark an 8.5% increase, which amounts to 412.3 million euros more compared to 2025.

Political tension and the state budget

On July 24, the final state budget was also adopted with a deficit of 5.7% of GDP and a freeze on the minimum wage at 620.20 euros. The opposition, represented by "We Continue the Change", requested a veto on the laws, and the presidential institution began consultations on the demands for a revision of the financial framework.