Bulgaria to reform holiday bonus eligibility rules

The Bulgarian government is preparing significant changes to the Social Assistance Act, altering how holiday bonuses for Christmas and Easter are distributed. Under the proposed rules, the 50 euro payments will no longer be based solely on pension size or poverty thresholds. Instead, eligibility will be tied to the receipt of specific social assistance and property ownership.

To qualify for the bonuses, individuals must own only one residence. The new target groups include recipients of monthly or targeted social assistance, individuals receiving energy aid for the heating season, families raising children with permanent disabilities, youth transitioning from residential care or foster homes, and military veterans or invalids.

While the administrative process is expected to remain streamlined through automatic payments, the shift is expected to reduce the number of pensioners receiving the aid, as many who previously qualified based on low pensions may not meet the new criteria regarding property or specific social assistance status. Former Social Minister Hristina Hristova has expressed support for the reform, stating it aims to ensure public funds reach the most vulnerable citizens rather than being distributed broadly.