Minister of Labor and Social Policy Natalia Efremova has revealed that options for increasing social payments and tax reliefs are being discussed. Priority measures include raising child benefits, the one-time birth grant, maternity benefits for the second year, as well as the "School" family relief, which supports families with children in the first, second, third, fourth, and eighth grades.
Currently, financial support for these students amounts to 153 euro, but the minister proposed that this sum be higher next year. Although there are plans to include a wider range of children, it was not possible to provide support for students in other grades this year due to a lack of budget projections for this expense. Efremova explained that negotiations are currently underway with the Ministry of Finance to determine the final amount.
Regarding other social payments, the minister outlined the following plans:
- The birth grant, which currently stands at 192 euro, is set to be increased.
- An increase is also being discussed for maternity benefits in the second year, as well as the implementation of the promised 75% incentive when the mother returns to work.
- An increase in child benefits is planned for next year and will depend on negotiations during the budget preparation process.
Part of the tax package also includes considering reliefs for families with children participating in cultural or sporting extracurricular activities. By reducing the tax rate, the aim is to provide families with more resources for these activities. The assistance will likely be provided in the simplest way possible—by proving that the child is enrolled in a school or course. This measure is being considered to include preschool-aged children as well, without applying an income criterion, other than the requirement that it must be declared.
Regarding income and taxes, Minister Efremova explained that no changes are planned for the tax system itself, but an increase in the pension cap and the maximum social security income is envisioned. No exact figure was given for next year's minimum wage, as it will depend on the assessment of the budget macro-framework. The minister's goal is for the amount to get as close to the maximum as possible.
The proposed changes to social benefits and tax reliefs will directly impact the incomes of families with children in Burgas and the entire region.
All proposed measures will undergo a public consultation phase and will be discussed in the plenary session.