Child benefits in Bulgaria in 2026: amounts and how to claim
Bulgarian family benefits are modest, but they add up, especially for a second child. All amounts below are the official 2026 rates from the Social Assistance Agency (ASP).
In short: birth and school grants are paid regardless of income. The monthly child allowance is means-tested: paid in full if the family's average income is up to €415 a month per person, and at 80% up to €466.
Who can claim
Under the Family Allowances for Children Act (Art. 3), the following are entitled:
- families of Bulgarian citizens raising children in Bulgaria;
- families where one parent is Bulgarian, for children with Bulgarian citizenship raised in Bulgaria;
- foreigners with permanent residence, only where a law or an international treaty provides for it.
For almost every benefit the key condition is that the child lives permanently in Bulgaria, so start with address registration: how to do it.
One-off grants
| Grant | Amount, 2026 | Means-tested? |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | €115.04 | yes, up to €466 per person |
| Birth of a first child | €191.74 | no |
| Birth of a second child | €460.17 | no |
| Birth of a third child | €230.09 | no |
| Birth of a fourth or later child | €153.39 | no |
| Each twin | €613.55 | no |
| Adoption | €191.74 | no |
| Pupil in grade 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 | €153.39 | no |
| Full-time student mother | €1,472.52 + €736.26 | no |
- The birth grant can be claimed until the child turns three. The child must live permanently in Bulgaria and not be placed in care outside the family.
- The school grant for 2026/2027 must be claimed by 15 October 2026. It is paid in two parts; the second, €76.70, at the start of the second term if the child is still attending. Five unexcused absences in a month can mean repaying it.
Monthly allowances
| Allowance | Per month, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Child under 1 (income up to €466 per person) | €102.26 |
| Until the end of secondary school, max age 20: family with 1 child | €25.57 |
| Same: family with 2 children (whole family) | €56.25 |
| Same: family with 3 children | €84.37 |
| Same: family with 4 children | €89.48 |
| Each additional child | +€10.23 |
| Child with a disability (by degree) | €230.09–603.33 |
The school-age allowance is paid in full if average income per family member is up to €415, and at 80% from €415.01 to €466. Above €466 it is not paid (children with disabilities and some other groups are exempt). The limits apply from 1 August 2026 under the 2026 State Budget Act.
How income is counted: an example
The family's income for the 12 months before the month you apply is divided by 12 and by the number of family members.
Example. A family of four (two adults, two children) earned €1,600 a month on average. Per person: 1,600 ÷ 4 = €400, below €415. The family receives the full allowance for two children: €56.25 a month, or €675 a year.
Exactly what counts as income is set by the Act and its regulations; check borderline cases with the directorate.
If a parent works in another EU country
Under EU rules, family benefits are paid first by the country where a parent works. If the family lives in Bulgaria and a parent works in, say, Finland, Finland is the primary payer. Bulgaria may top up the difference if its benefit would be higher.
Tell both offices: the Social Assistance Directorate and the benefits office in the country where you work.
How to apply
- Register your current address with the municipality.
- Download the application-declaration form from the ASP website (each benefit has its own form) or collect it at the directorate.
- Submit it to the Social Assistance Directorate for your current address, with the documents the Act requires for that benefit.
- A decision is due within 14 days (up to 30 if other agencies must be consulted). Monthly allowances are paid by the end of the following month.
FAQ
How much is the birth grant in Bulgaria in 2026?
€191.74 for a first child, €460.17 for a second, €230.09 for a third and €153.39 for a fourth or later child. Income is not tested.
What is the income limit for child benefits in 2026?
The school-age monthly allowance is paid in full up to €415 average income per family member, and at 80% from €415.01 to €466. The under-1 allowance and the pregnancy grant use a €466 limit.
Where do I apply for child benefits?
At the Social Assistance Directorate for the family's current address. Application forms are on the Social Assistance Agency website.
A parent works in Finland and the family lives in Bulgaria. Who pays?
Under EU rules, first the country where the parent works. Bulgaria may top up the difference if its benefit is higher.
Sources
- Social Assistance Agency — family benefits and 2026 amounts
- Family Allowances for Children Act
- Deadlines for birth and school grants
- Your Europe — family benefits in the EU
For information only; not legal advice.
