Bulgaria to provide 50 euro Christmas bonuses to 500,000 citizens

Approximately 500,000 vulnerable citizens in Bulgaria will receive a Christmas financial bonus of about 50 euros. Unlike in previous years, these payments are now legally guaranteed through the State Budget Act, ensuring the support is no longer subject to discretionary political decisions.

The Social Assistance Agency will distribute the funds automatically via administrative channels, meaning recipients do not need to submit applications or declarations. The scope of this assistance has been expanded beyond low-income pensioners to include other socially vulnerable groups.

In addition to the holiday bonuses, the Bulgarian government is discussing several social and economic reforms. These include a proposed increase in the minimum wage by approximately 40 euros (80 BGN) starting in January, a revision of the pension formula to increase the weight of insurance seniority, and new incentives for young families and mothers to address demographic challenges.