€20 Fuel Aid Rollout Begins: Over 180,000 Bulgarians to Receive Payments

The Social Assistance Agency has started disbursing the 20 euro compensation introduced to offset rising fuel costs. The measure targets vulnerable groups affected by the recent increase in prices, with payments already underway for eligible beneficiaries.

People who had received social assistance in January and February 2026 were not required to file new applications. Their information was automatically forwarded to the National Revenue Agency for verification of eligibility. The support is intended for low-income individuals who either own a vehicle or are repaying one under a leasing agreement.

To qualify for the payment, applicants must have had an average monthly gross income for 2025 of no more than 652.41 euros, equivalent to twice last year’s poverty threshold. Following checks, the revenue agency confirmed that 182,856 people meet the conditions and will receive the funds automatically.

At the same time, nearly 45,000 additional individuals who were not receiving social benefits earlier this year submitted applications in March. Their data has already been sent for review, and once eligibility is confirmed, payments will follow after April 17.

Authorities clarify that if the scheme remains active during April, those who applied in March will receive the compensation without needing to reapply. The process is designed to ensure that support reaches those in need quickly, with officials emphasizing that the aid will be granted “automatically” once the criteria are met.