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From 800 – 1800 lek per month, details of the new bonus and the pensioners' challenge with the prices

2026-04-09 07:31:00, Ekonomi CNA

From 800 – 1800 lek per month, details of the new bonus and the

The new pensioner bonus distribution scheme has been in effect since January of this year. Sources from the Ministry of Economy claimed that the government is distributing a total fund that fluctuates between 8 and 9 million euros per month in the form of direct bonuses.

Under the new rules, beneficiaries who receive a partial pension or who have an income level of up to 22 thousand lek per month are benefiting from an additional 800 lek every month. Meanwhile, support is increased for those who have a full pension, but who still remain below the 40 thousand lek limit, receiving a higher bonus, which reaches up to 1800 lek per month.

This mechanism is conceived as a form of monthly redistribution to amortize the effects of inflation, focusing mainly on low and average pensions that are below the critical consumption threshold.

This initiative aims to ease the cost of living for the most vulnerable categories, by distributing assistance in a graduated manner according to the level of monthly income that the elderly currently benefit from.

However, the situation of pensioners in Albania remains a challenge as the increase in living costs is moving much faster than the indexation of income. For a large part of the elderly, this bonus does not allow them to end the month without support from their families, as it is estimated that the average pension in the country covers only about 30% of real monthly expenses, according to calculations by international organizations.

While Albania has just started implementing a bonus scheme of 800 to 1,800 lekë (approximately 8–18 euros) with an average pension of around 200 euros per month, other Western Balkan countries are applying more aggressive policies in this regard.

The average pension in Serbia is expected to reach around 488 euros by 2026, after consecutive double-digit increases, according to official sources. Montenegro has already set a fairly high floor for the minimum pension, around 450 euros, significantly different from the regional average.

Low-income retirees are forced to make difficult choices between food and medication. Doctors say many seniors are skipping treatment for chronic illnesses to save money, leading to more costly medical emergencies for the state.

In conditions where the pension is not enough, the financial burden is transferred to children and family members. Money that could be invested in children's education or business development goes to meet the vital needs of elderly parents.

The poor financial treatment of pensioners also affects the growth of informality. When current employees see that the contributions paid over the years do not guarantee a decent old age, they choose not to pay social security, putting themselves in a long-term state of uncertainty in the pension scheme./ Monitor Magazine