Social policy

News on social assistance, pensions, employment, income, welfare programs, and protection of vulnerable groups.

Намерени: 281 новини
The Ombudsman supported educational reforms for children with special needs
Social policy

The Ombudsman supported educational reforms for children with special needs

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva supports changes to the Education Act aimed at providing better support for children with special educational needs. See the key recommendations proposed for socialization.

14.07.2026 Борислав Станев
5389
Proposed Higher Retirement Age for Ministry of Interior Employees
Social policy

Proposed Higher Retirement Age for Ministry of Interior Employees

The Fiscal Council is insisting on pension reform within the Ministry of Interior, citing data on thousands of employees who receive both a salary and a pension simultaneously.

13.07.2026
7 810 126
"I worked my whole life, yet the pension is not enough" – where is the link between contributions and income broken?
Social policy

"I worked my whole life, yet the pension is not enough" – where is the link between contributions and income broken?

Pensioners with long service records and high contribution history receive pensions similar to those of people with less service and lower income due to the formula, the cap, and distortions in the system.

11.07.2026
5 861 135
Increase in complaints to the Ombudsman: 8,500 reports in just six months
Social policy

Increase in complaints to the Ombudsman: 8,500 reports in just six months

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva reported a surge in citizen complaints against monopolies and social injustices in 2026. Learn about the systemic problems.

11.07.2026
4 794 117
Modern kitchen for the Home Social Patronage in Nessebar: 7 new professional appliances
Social policy

Modern kitchen for the Home Social Patronage in Nessebar: 7 new professional appliances

The Municipality of Nessebar has invested nearly 23,000 euros in new equipment for social patronage, improving the quality of food for the elderly and people with disabilities.

09.07.2026
4 180 100
Pension reform in Bulgaria: How can the European experience save the system?
Social policy

Pension reform in Bulgaria: How can the European experience save the system?

Prof. Dr. Bogomil Manov proposes a reform of the pension system in Bulgaria by introducing Swedish, German, and Danish models for greater financial sustainability and fairness.

09.07.2026
4 858 87
Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva: Budget 2026 poses risks to the most vulnerable
Social policy

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva: Budget 2026 poses risks to the most vulnerable

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva warns that the 2026 budget may restrict access to social rights. Key points include concerns regarding pensions, child benefits, and the lack of funding for a children's hospital.

07.07.2026
6 866 129
Updated pensions for July start from July 7, the social old-age pension is also increased
Social policy

Updated pensions for July start from July 7, the social old-age pension is also increased

Labor pensions granted by the end of 2025 are increased by 7.8% according to the Swiss rule, and the payment of the increased amounts for July begins on July 7. The social old-age pension is also rising, as are a number of other related payments.

06.07.2026
3 846 79
The "Hot Lunch" program is guaranteed until 2027: Here is the new aid provided
Social policy

The "Hot Lunch" program is guaranteed until 2027: Here is the new aid provided

Minister Natalia Efremova announced that funding for the "Hot Lunch" program will continue until 2027. The rate per meal is being increased, and support for the most vulnerable is being expanded.

03.07.2026
10 216 143
From July 1, pensions increase according to the "Swiss rule", but without the COVID supplement
Social policy

From July 1, pensions increase according to the "Swiss rule", but without the COVID supplement

From July 1, 2026, the 30.68 EUR "COVID supplement" is removed from all labor pensions, but they are updated by 7.8%. The increase also covers minimum and social pensions, as well as "widow supplements", and the NSSI announced the dates for the payment of pensions and benefits in July.

01.07.2026
8 383 139
"Progressive Bulgaria" insists on an audit of the growth of pensions and social benefits
Social policy

"Progressive Bulgaria" insists on an audit of the growth of pensions and social benefits

MPs from "Progressive Bulgaria" want the National Audit Office to check whether the increase in pensions and benefits from 2020 to 2026 corresponds to social security revenues and to analyze the effectiveness of these decisions.

29.06.2026
8 887 132
50-euro Christmas bonus becomes law, covering over 500,000 people
Social policy

50-euro Christmas bonus becomes law, covering over 500,000 people

For the first time, the Christmas bonus will be granted by law rather than by government decision, and it will cover not only pensioners but also social assistance recipients.

27.06.2026
6 533 136
Natalia Efremova: The mission is fewer children at risk of poverty in Bulgaria
Social policy

Natalia Efremova: The mission is fewer children at risk of poverty in Bulgaria

The Minister of Labor and Social Policy announced new measures for early childhood development and poverty reduction. See what initiatives will support families in need.

26.06.2026
1 727 13
Minister Efremova: 163,000 pensioners with higher incomes after July 1
Social policy

Minister Efremova: 163,000 pensioners with higher incomes after July 1

From July 1, the social old-age pension becomes 183.81 euros, and all other pensions will also increase by 7.8%, which will improve the incomes of 163,000 of the most vulnerable elderly people.

25.06.2026
4 832 116
Social old-age pension increases to 183.81 euros from July 1
Social policy

Social old-age pension increases to 183.81 euros from July 1

From July 1, the social old-age pension increases from 170.51 to 183.81 euros according to the Swiss rule, which automatically raises all non-employment-related pensions and supplements.

24.06.2026
6 375 118