site.btaSocial Policy Minister Asks National Social Security Institute to Propose Scenarios for Christmas Pension Supplement

Social Policy Minister Borislav Gutsanov has requested the National Social Security Institute (NSSI) to provide detailed calculations on how to secure funding for a potential Christmas supplement for pensioners. Speaking to journalists before a parliamentary Budget and Finance Committee meeting Tuesday, he said that "every social minister wants to provide Christmas and Easter supplements". "I have sent a letter to NSSI asking for all possible calculations so that, together with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and my colleagues in government, we can decide what can be done to secure the necessary funding for Christmas," he said.

Gutsanov recalled that even during the most difficult times earlier this year, Easter supplements were paid to pensioners, and expressed confidence that a solution for Christmas supplements would be found as well.

The minister also addressed a letter received from Denitsa Sacheva, chair of the parliamentary Social Policy Committee, who has proposed legislating Christmas and Easter supplements. Gutsanov acknowledged the logic of her proposal but noted that implementing such measures requires careful preparation and cannot happen "overnight."

When asked about the potential costs of Christmas supplements to pensioners, he said he is awaiting detailed data from NSSI, including poverty lines and pension categories, to identify the most reasonable solution that aligns with the state budget. "I welcome any proposals in this regard, because we owe it to one of society’s most vulnerable groups—the pensioners," the Minister said.

Government officials, including Sacheva herself, have said earlier that no money is available for Christmas supplements. Then Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said that there will be supplements if the money is secured for that. Finally, earlier on Tuesday when MRF - New Beginning leader Delyan Peevski urged the power-holders to make sure pensioners get Christmas supplements.