Bulgaria considers raising poverty line to 443 euros

The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation is discussing a proposal to increase the poverty line to 443 euros for 2026, a rise of over 52 euros compared to the current level. This threshold directly affects the monthly financial assistance of approximately 800,000 people with permanent disabilities, as well as access to other social benefits such as support for foster families and child reintegration.

Economists have raised concerns regarding the budgetary impact of this increase, noting uncertainty about how the additional social spending will be funded within the existing fiscal framework. Some experts warn that rising costs of living may outpace income growth, potentially creating a class of ‘working poor.’

Data from the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) highlights a significant portion of the population living below current thresholds. Approximately 750,000 pensioners are currently living below the poverty line. Even after recent pension increases, many recipients of minimum pensions for age and service, as well as disability and social pensions, remain below the official poverty threshold.