From July 1, the social old-age pension will be increased by 7.8% and will reach an amount of 183.81 euros. The decision was approved by the government, and details of the measure were presented by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy "Natalia Efremova" at a briefing after the Council of Ministers meeting.
According to the minister, all other pensions will also be increased by the same percentage – 7.8%. "In this way, we are increasing support for 163,000 elderly people with the lowest incomes," emphasized "Efremova". She explained that the social old-age pension is received by those who have reached the age of 70, who do not have enough contribution to the social security system and whose annual income per family member is up to 30% of the poverty line.
Minister "Efremova" further noted that the change leads to an automatic increase in other payments from the National Social Security Institute that are not linked to labor activity. Among them are pensions for military and civilian disability, social disability pension, and personal pension. Two key supplements to pensions are also being increased – for foreign aid for people with disabilities and for war veterans.
"Today's decision is part of a package of measures that the government is consistently implementing as part of its policy to support the most vulnerable groups in society," stated "Natalia Efremova". She reminded that people with the lowest incomes can also count on additional support through the social assistance system, which provides various types of aid, including for heating.
The minister emphasized that in addition to higher pensions, vulnerable individuals can also be supported through social services and measures funded by European funds – such as "hot lunch", "home care", and other forms of assistance aimed at improving the daily life and standard of living of those most in need.