Bulgaria's pensions — who pays and how they are distributed
In 2024, Bulgaria paid pensions to 2,052,553 pensioners, at an average of 883 лв a month. But the average describes almost no one: 39.6% of pensioners get the minimum pension (580.57 лв) or less. This page shows the distribution the average hides — and who actually pays.
What you'll find
Who pays for pensions — ДОО's own contributions cover only about half of the outlay; the rest is a transfer from the state budget.
Distribution by size — how many pensioners sit near the minimum, how many at the cap, and where the poverty line falls.
Average pension by oblast — from Sofia-grad to Kardzhali, a spread of about 1.5×.
Cash payment by oblast — about 29% of pensions are collected in cash rather than paid to a bank account — the geography of financial exclusion among pensioners.
Wage, insurable income and pension — the national series over time.
НОИ's public procurement — what the institute buys and from whom — is on the NSSI awarder page. See also the state budget.