site.btaPensions in 2019 Projected to Increase by 3.1%, Inflation by 3%

Sofia, October 12 (BTA) - Pensions are expected to increase by 3.1 per cent in 2019 given a projected annual average harmonized inflation rate of 3 per cent, show to the parameters set in the Public Social Insurance Budget Bill for 2019, released to BTA by the social partners. The Bill will be reviewed by the National Social Security Institute's Supervisory Board on Monday. According to the Bill, the average number of pensioners next year is expected to fall down to around 2,154,800.

The average pension in 2019 is forecast to reach 386,27 leva, compared this year's projected average of 363,82 leva.

Pensions allocated by December 31, 2018 will be raised by 5.7 per cent starting July 1, 2019, when the minimum pension will increase to 219.43 leva from the current 207.60 leva. The social pension will be raised from 125.58 leva to 132.74 leva.

The pensions' ceiling is set to increase to 1,200 leva starting July 1, from the current 910 leva. The increase will apply to all pensions, regardless of when they were allocated.

Unemployment benefits, pregnancy and maternity benefits, and sick leave benefits will remain unchanged next year.