site.btaGovernment Adopts Public Social Insurance Budget Bill

The average monthly pension in Bulgaria in 2026 is projected at EUR 541.20, according to the Public Social Insurance Budget Bill for 2026, which was approved by the government on Thursday. This is an increase by 8.5% in nominal terms. The decision was announced on Thursday by the government’s press service following a meeting of the Council of Ministers earlier in the day.

The increase is more than double the average annual inflation rate of 3.5% forecast for next year, meaning that older people's purchasing power will increase.

From July 1, 2026, all pensions granted by the end of 2025 will be adjusted by between 7% and 8%. From the same date, the minimum pension for contributory income and old age will increase from EUR 322.37 to EUR 346.87 for people with a full social insurance record. The maximum monthly amount of one or more pensions received will remain at the 2025 level of EUR 1,738.40. From July 1, the amount of social insurance contributions will increase by the percentage determined by the Swiss rule.

In 2026, women working in category III jobs will be able to retire at 62 years and 6 months of age with 36 years and 10 months of insurance experience. For men, the requirements will be 64 years and 9 months old and to have 39 years and 10 months of insurance experience.

EUR 13,421 billion has been earmarked for the payment of all types of pensions and supplements in 2026, accounting for 11.3% of Bulgaria's projected gross domestic product. This is EUR 1,097 billion, or 8.9%, more than in 2025. From January 1, 2026, onward, the minimum insurance income for self-insured persons will be EUR 620,20. From the same date, the maximum social security income for all insured persons will be EUR 2,352.

The minimum and maximum daily unemployment benefits of EUR 9,21 and EUR 54,78 respectively remain unchanged.

The bill provides for an increase in insurance contributions to the Pension Fund by 2 percentage points from January 1, 2026, and 1 percentage point from January 1, 2028. The social security contribution rates for the other public social security funds will remain at 2025 levels.

Also on Thursday, the government okayed the 2026 State Budget Bill and the 2026 National Health Insurance Fund Budget Bill.