11873 | 19 March 2025 | 15:14

The total budget size is 27.389 billion Bulgarian levs, with 24.1 billion levs allocated for pensions - a record amount so far

 After 6 hours of debates, the parliament finally adopted the budget for state social security.

 Following the vote on the texts, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov thanked all those who supported the budget and made proposals for it.

 This was the best possible budget, and we must not forget where we started from when this cabinet was created, what were the financial parameters possible, Gutsanov pointed out, quoted by BTA.

 He highlighted as achievements the preservation of taxes, as well as the preservation of all social benefits in the society. Did we also preserve and increase the funds for all social expenses by 580 million leva, as well as the preservation of the indexing of pensions by 8.6 percent from July 1. 2.43 billion leva go to healthcare, 1.61 billion leva for pensions. Expenses for people with disabilities, provided by the social council, are 36.7% higher than last year, said Gutzanov. According to him, 381 million leva will be spent on new homes for the elderly, improving conditions in existing homes, and providing new social services.

 Minister Gutzanov expressed hope that the proposals for maternity in the second year will be made in a dialogue mode when the next budget is made. He pointed out that unemployment benefits will also be a topic in the next budget.

 As of April 1, 2025, important changes to Bulgaria's social security system will come into effect. The maximum insurance threshold will be raised from 3750 leva to 4130 BGN, minimum social security contributions will be tied to the minimum wage, which becomes 1077 BGN.

 The total budget size is 27.389 billion BGN, with 24.1 billion BGN allocated for pensions - a record amount so far. At the same time, the deficit will reach 11.7 billion BGN.

 As of July 1, 2025, pensions will be increased by 8.6% according to the Swiss rule. This means that the minimum pension for length of service and age will become 630.50 BGN, while the ceiling for pensions will remain at 3400 BGN.

 
 The minimum daily amount of unemployment benefit will remain at 18.00 BGN, as well as the maximum daily amount - 107.14 BGN.

 There will be no changes in the childcare benefits. For children up to 2 years of age - the so-called low-paid maternity leave, the amount remains 780 BGN. The compensation for raising a child up to the age of 8 by the father will also be specified, with a payment period of two months.

 This year, employers will cover the first two days of sick leave, while the National Social Security Institute will take over starting from the third day - a change implemented last year. There are no changes to the conditions for receiving compensations.

 The draft law was approved with the votes of GERB-UDF, BSP, TIPS, DPS-DPS, and MRF-NEW BEGINNING - 145 votes in favor. Those who voted against were from CC-DB (two), "Revival" and "MUH" - a total of 46 votes. 42 MPs abstained (34 from CC-DB and eight from "Greatness").

 None of the proposals of the opposition were accepted. "Revival" party demands increase of the daily unemployment benefit from 18 to 30 leva, while CC-DB party does not want to freeze the child care allowance for children up to two years old at 780 leva for the next three years.