State Social Insurance Budget Law for 2026 approved in first reading: indexed pensions and increased allowances

The draft Law on the State Social Insurance Budget (BASS) for 2026 was approved in the first reading with the vote of 53 deputies of the parliamentary majority. The document, with a total budget of 51.45 billion lei, ensures the funding of a wide range of social benefits and programs aimed at supporting citizens, declared Minister of Labor and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru in the plenary session. The project was criticized by opposition factions, and socialist and communist deputies voted against it.

The document stipulates that pensions and social benefits will be indexed by 6.8% from April 1, 2026. In 2026, over 665,000 people will benefit from pensions.

Plugaru announced that the one-time birth allowance will increase in 2026 to 21,886 lei, which represents an increase of 131.4% compared to 2021. Annually, approximately 36,000 children and parents benefit from this support. Additionally, over 78,000 children will receive in 2026 a monthly allowance of 1000 lei, until they reach the age of two.

The budget provides for the creation of 2,000 new nursery places for children aged 0 to 3 years, to facilitate the return of women to the labor market. For about 750 children left without parental care, 33 professional parental assistants responsible for emergency placements will be hired.

Also in 2026, new shelter centers for women and girls victims of domestic violence will be opened in Telenești, Ștefan Vodă, and Cahul, a measure that will increase the national protection capacity by 23%. By 2027, the Government will invest 60 million lei in expanding the network of shelters, to ensure quick access to a safe place for all women and children at risk.

In Cahul, Barnahus Regional Center will be inaugurated, which will provide psychological, legal, medical, and social assistance to children victims or witnesses of crimes. The center will serve beneficiaries from nine districts in the south of the country.

After finalization, the draft law will be proposed to Parliament for examination in the second reading.