The pension system in Bulgaria - Key data and trends

The pension system in Bulgaria is characterized by large differences in the amount of pensions received. As of May 2025, 86,218 pensioners receive a basic pension over 2,000 BGN, but more than half - 1,211,055 people, still receive no more than 700 BGN. 380,176 elderly people are on the minimum pension for insurance service and age (580.57 BGN), and 428,833 pensioners receive even less.

The average monthly pension amount in April 2025, including the Easter bonus, is 959.21 BGN, which is 99.21 BGN (11.5%) more compared to the same month of 2024. Revenues from the beginning of the year until April are 4.613 billion BGN, with 473 million BGN more compared to the same period of 2024. However, expenses are almost twice as much - 8.674 billion BGN, increasing by 605.3 million BGN. Pension expenses alone are 7.699 billion BGN, which is 602.1 million BGN more compared to the same period last year (8.5% increase). The deficit is covered by a 4.025 billion BGN transfer from the budget.

The data shows that despite the improvements, the pension system in Bulgaria still faces challenges, especially in terms of reducing differences in the amount of pensions and ensuring adequate financing. Sustainable development of the pension system will require comprehensive reforms and targeted policies in the future.