Moldova to tighten heating compensation eligibility criteria

The Moldovan government is considering stricter criteria for heating compensation to ensure funds reach the most vulnerable families. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru announced that authorities are evaluating an increase to the maximum compensation ceiling, which currently stands at 1,000 lei, in response to rising gas prices.

To tighten eligibility, officials are implementing more rigorous checks using an interdepartmental electronic system that connects 13 national databases, including the Border Police, State Tax Service, and the Cadastre. Under the proposed rules, individuals who reside outside of Moldova for more than three months within a year may be disqualified from receiving aid.

Additional eligibility changes under review include lowering the threshold for annual dividend income from 300,000 to 200,000 lei and reducing the allowable monthly bank interest income from 4,000 to 3,000 lei. The government is also discussing whether owning a vehicle newer than three to five years should disqualify applicants. The state aims to provide compensation to at least 620,000 households this heating season, with payments scheduled from November to March.