Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova has announced that all planned social changes will be subject to public consultation and will subsequently be considered in the plenary session of the National Assembly. As the budget is being prepared, various options are being analyzed to increase funds for child benefits, the one-time birth grant, and maternity support during the second year. Discussions are also underway regarding the "School" family package, tax reliefs, and increasing assistance for families with children in the first, second, third, fourth, and eighth grades.
Regarding family support for students, Minister Efremova noted that the current amount of 153 euro is subject to a proposal for an increase next year. Although it was not possible to provide financial support for children in other grades this year due to a lack of budget calculations for this expense, expanding the scope to all other students remains a long-term goal. Currently, the focus is on increasing support for children already covered, with negotiations ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to finalize the budget calculations.
The following steps are planned as part of the upcoming changes to social payments:
- An increase in child benefits next year, which is currently under negotiation as part of the budget planning process.
- An increase in maternity support during the second year, as well as the implementation of the promised increase in the return-to-work incentive for mothers to 75%.
- An increase in the one-time birth grant, which currently stands at 192 euro.
Part of the tax package also includes relief for families with children attending sports or cultural extracurricular activities. By reducing the tax rate, the goal is to ensure greater resources within the family budget for these activities. The assistance will likely be provided in the simplest way possible—for example, by proving that the child is enrolled in a school or a course. This measure is also being considered for families with preschool-aged children, and no income criteria will be applied unless one is introduced.
The planned changes in social benefits and child allowances will have a direct impact on the daily lives of families with children in Burgas and the region.
Regarding the tax system, Minister Efremova assured that no changes are planned, though an increase in the maximum insurance income and the pension ceiling is anticipated. No specific amount has been indicated for the minimum wage for next year, as the decision will depend on the budget's macro-framework. The Minister emphasized that the goal is for the amount to get as close to the maximum as possible.