Over 65,000 cases managed by social workers under RESTART reform in Moldova

Community social workers are currently managing over 65,000 cases nationwide, compared to 3,300 cases managed at the initiation stage of the RESTART reform in 2023. Thus, beneficiary families are constantly monitored and receive support, in order to improve their living conditions. The acting Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, today unveiled data to this effect at a press conference, during which the achievements of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MMPS) over the past four years were discussed.

Alexei Buzu emphasized that, during this mandate, the authorities had aimed to support families, vulnerable individuals and refugees with concrete assistance and humanity.

“During this period, the minimum pension increased 2.6-fold, from 1,188 lei in 2021 to 3,055 lei in 2025. The average pension rose 2.1 times, from 2,067 lei in 2021 to 4,407 lei in 2025. The monthly allowance for war veterans increased 3.5-fold, from 500 lei in 2021 to 1,771 lei in 2025. The monthly allowance for veterans with disabilities increased 3.9 times, from 575 lei in 2021 to 2,254 lei in 2025. The monthly allowance for Chernobyl accident participants rose 2.5-fold, from 500 lei in 2021 to 1,250 lei in 2025. At the same time, the monthly allowance for people with disabilities increased 2.6 times, from 475 lei in 2021 to 1,222 lei in 2025. The minimum disability pension increased 2.6-fold, from 891 lei in 2021 to 2,291 lei in 2025. The allowance for care, companionship and supervision rose 2.6 times, from 950 lei in 2021 to 2,444 lei in 2025. Also, we provided over 2.5 billion lei in one-off payment programs for low-income pensioners, families with disabled children, and families with small children,” said Alexei Buzu.

Another priority was the implementation of the structural reform in the labor sector, in order to help as many citizens as possible find decent employment, and to create a more equitable efficient and people-centric social system.

“Following the measures taken, the general employment rate increased from 50.2 per cent in 2019 to 56.8 per cent in 2024. The employment rate for women increased even more: from 46.8 per cent in 2019 to 55.1 per cent in 2024. Last year, we recorded the highest number of employees in the last 12 years. In 2021, the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) helped 8,720 people find jobs. By 2025, this number rose to 18,000 people. In 2022, the State Labor Inspectorate (ISM) identified 82 people working without contracts. By 2025, this number increased to 6,000 people, most of whom were formalized,” noted Alexei Buzu.

Currently, there are also over 65,000 cases managed through case management, covering about 100,000 people. Additionally, the number of weekly visits has increased from 2 to 13 for each active case.

“We also have a tenfold increase in interventions in child protection. Moreover, there have been investments of 40 million lei in infrastructure, teams and direct support for people affected by violence. As a result, we have much more cases under management, with quicker and higher quality interventions. In RESTART, there's been a 16-per cent increase in the number of beneficiaries of the Home Care Social Service, a 30 per cent increase in the Personal Assistance service and three times more beneficiaries of the mobile team service,” the acting minister added.

Also, as a result of actions taken in recent years, all allowances for children are now proactive – available automatically, without applications or bureaucratic procedures.

“The maternity allowance is calculated based on the higher insured income, for real and equitable support. The one-time birth allowance was doubled. We also introduced a monthly allowance of 1,000 lei for all children up to 2 years old. Parental leave is now flexible – parents can work and receive allowances simultaneously. We have created new nursery groups and renovated over 100 kindergartens nationwide. The budget for child and family protection was doubled – so that support is not just symbolic, but tangible,” concluded Alexei Buzu.

For the achievements made, the acting minister thanked the MMPS reform team, as well as colleagues from the broader RESTART team, ANOFM, and ISM.

In the context of the creation of a new government, Alexei Buzu emphasized that “he does not yet know, if he will remain at the head of MMPS and that a decision in this regard will be made by the new prime minister.” Nonetheless, Buzu assured that he would provide all the necessary support “in developing the state's social policies.”