Social programs to combat poverty in Bulgaria in 2026: new criteria, indicators and support

Bulgaria is activating large-scale social programs to combat poverty in 2026, according to the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Social Exclusion (2030). The new two-year action plan envisages integrated measures in the areas of employment, education, healthcare, social services, transfers and housing.

A key change is the new poverty line – the Council of Ministers decided that it should be BGN 764 from January 1, 2026, which represents an increase of BGN 126 or nearly 20% compared to 2025. The poverty line is a key indicator for determining social protection, determining the right to a number of benefits and services. According to Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov, the new threshold will expand the scope of support for over 790,000 people with disabilities – their monthly assistance will reach over BGN 435. For 483,000 people, the right to social assistance and heating assistance will open up.

Programs for prevention and reintegration, raising children with relatives and foster families are also being renewed – the financial support for 4,100 children will exceed BGN 840 per month. The change will also cover social old-age pensions under the Social Security Code.

In parallel with direct assistance, the plan for the period 2025-2026 focuses on sustainable income from work: the average wage in the country increased by 12% per year, with regions such as Blagoevgrad, Targovishte and Smolyan reporting growth of between 17 and 20%.

The strategy envisages new sectoral integrated measures – inclusion of a social factor in education, access to health and housing services, promotion of employment among vulnerable groups and children, additional heating assistance and the expansion of the social services network.

"The best way to reduce poverty is sustainable income from work and active support for the most vulnerable communities," said Minister Gutsanov. Bulgaria continues to work on adapted models of social protection and indicator monitoring, following European practices.