Problems with 2026 budget will not affect Christmas supplements for pensioners

The Christmas supplements are not at risk despite the suspension of the budget procedure. There is a Council of Ministers decision in place, and the supplements will be paid out together with the December pensions, Bulgaria’s Minister of Labor and Social Policy Borislav Gutsanov said in an interview with BNT.

He emphasized that excessive delays in approving next year’s budget could put the higher child-care allowance for the second year, which is expected to rise from BGN 780 to BGN 900, the higher minimum wage of BGN 1,213, and increased social payments at risk. All of these parameters are included in the 2026 Budget, and entering the new year without its adoption could put them at risk, said Minister Gutsanov.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov