"With the increase in pensions, other supplements and social payments are also increasing". This was said by Hristina Hristova, former Minister of Social Affairs, in the program “Face to Face“ on BTV.
“2 million and 60 thousand people are affected by today's change. There are 2 pensions that the government decides on their size - the minimum and the social old-age pension. The government decided to increase both. The minimum became 630.50 leva, and the social increased from 307 to 333 leva,“ the former Minister of Social Affairs pointed out.
“Both sizes also affect many other supplements, such as widow's pensions. They were increased last year from 26 to 30%. Now they will be updated by 8.6% and increased. The supplement for external assistance for people with disabilities is 75% of the social old-age pension – and it is increasing by 8.6%. The social disability pension is also increasing“, said Hristova.
“66 thousand pensioners have their payments related to these minimum payments. These are people with disabilities who were not allowed to participate in public work. This is not a pension, this is social assistance from the state for a person because he cannot cope on his own and cannot work due to a disability“, explained the expert.
“The maximum pension remains 3400 leva, although the maximum social security income has increased. There will be a ceiling on pensions, as long as there is a ceiling on social security income, which is 4,130 leva," Hristova also pointed out.
“Bulgaria remains with the longest maternity leave. The first year remains paid with compensation of 90% of the salary. You cannot work on a second employment contract and be on maternity leave and receive compensation“, Hristina Hristova also commented.