The government is easing the burden on pensioners by allowing them to receive their pensions from any post office in their locality, without the need to submit an application for a change of post office branch in advance. This is made possible by changes to the Regulation on pensions and insurance experience approved by the Council of Ministers.
Until now, pensioners were obliged to submit an application for a change of post office branch, even if the new branch was located in the same locality – a requirement that often created unnecessary difficulties and bureaucratic obstacles for many elderly people. With the new amendments, this requirement is removed. However, the obligation to submit an application remains if pensioners wish to receive their pension from a post office branch in a different locality from their permanent or current address. This clarification is key for clarity and preventing potential misunderstandings.
Changes in pension payment procedures
The changes to the regulation also refine the procedures of the pension authority when extending the term for the payment of a pension in case of a delay in a medical examination for disability pensions with an expiring term, as well as when reassessing the persons. The aim is to ensure the smooth and timely payment of pensions, regardless of any delays in administrative processes related to health. These clarifications are extremely important to protect the rights of people with disabilities and to avoid potential financial difficulties.
New obligations for pensioners abroad
The regulation also introduces a new obligation for Bulgarian pensioners permanently residing abroad, for whom international agreements or European regulations on the coordination of social security systems do not apply. They will be required to submit an annual declaration for the continuation of receiving the pension ("declaration of life"). This is due to the lack of effective mechanisms for notification of death in some countries, which has led to situations where the pension insurance authority learned of the pensioner_q_s death only from heirs or third parties after a considerable time. The new rule aims to prevent such situations and optimize control.
Changes in pension transfers
Another important decision is the approval of amendments to the Regulation on the transfer of pension rights to and from the pension schemes of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank. These amendments are essential to guarantee the rights of Bulgarians participating in these schemes and to ensure the smooth functioning of the processes related to pension transfers.
Centralization of responsibilities
The changes also provide for a specific distribution of responsibilities. Officials in the territorial branch of the National Social Security Institute – Sofia-city, will be responsible for processing applications related to the granting, payment and recalculation of pensions of persons with a permanent address abroad, as well as for issuing certifying documents confirming their right to a pension. These same employees will also be responsible for carrying out pension transfers to and from pension schemes of the European Union, the European Central Bank and the European Investment Bank. The centralization of these functions in Sofia aims for more efficient management and faster resolution of potential problems.