Bulgaria raises pensions by 7.8% and expands social pension benefits from July 1

Effective 1 July, Bulgaria increased labor pensions and related benefits by 7.8%, applying the same rise to widow’s supplements, the minimum pension for insured work history, and a range of disability and inheritance payments. The payout schedule follows the “Swiss rule”: recipients using post offices receive payments through 20 July, while bank transfers are made on the first day of the disbursement period.

The old‑age social pension was lifted by €183, and two additional allowances – one for foreign aid recipients with disabilities and another for war veterans – were also raised. The Covid‑era supplemental amount was eliminated. The government estimates about 163,000 people will benefit from the changes, and unemployment benefits are slated for transfer on 15 July.