Poverty Line 2026: Increase to BGN 764 will affect over 1.4 million Bulgarians

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy announced a proposal for a significant increase in the poverty line for the country in 2026, which will reach 764 BGN compared to the current 638 BGN. This change, representing an increase of 126 BGN or 19.7%, will directly affect the incomes of hundreds of thousands of citizens living below the social assistance threshold.

Details from the Government Meeting

The news was announced by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Borislav Gutsanov, during a briefing held at the Council of Ministers. The briefing followed a meeting of the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation, where a draft Council of Ministers Decree to determine the new poverty line amount was discussed. The document had already been published for public discussion on July 2, before being presented to key social partners.

Social Implications and Scope of the Change

According to Minister Gutsanov, this increase is of critical importance for a large part of Bulgarian society. The proposed increase will have a direct impact on:

• Over 790,000 citizens with permanent disabilities, whose monthly financial assistance is expected to exceed 435 BGN.
• Around 483,000 people who will benefit from heating assistance.
• 4,100 children who will receive higher benefits.

The proposal for the poverty line is particularly relevant, as official data indicate that over 1.4 million people, or 21.7% of the population of Bulgaria, live below the new threshold. This figure underscores the scale of the poverty problem and the need for effective social policies.

"The proposal for the poverty line is particularly relevant, as official data indicate that over 1.4 million people, or 21.7% of the population of Bulgaria, live below the new threshold. This figure underscores the scale of the poverty problem and the need for effective social policies."

Upcoming Discussion in the Council of Ministers

The draft decree is to be reviewed and discussed at a Council of Ministers meeting, which will be held tomorrow. A decision is expected to be made at this meeting, given the broad social and public effect that the new measure will have. All eyes are on the upcoming meeting, which will finalize the proposal for a significant increase in social payments.