A new scheme for distributing bonuses to pensioners has been implemented since January of this year. Sources from the Ministry of Economy confirmed that the government is distributing a total fund ranging between 8 and 9 million euros per month in the form of direct bonuses.
According to the new rules, beneficiaries receiving partial pensions or with an income level up to 22,000 lek per month are receiving an additional 800 lek each month. Meanwhile, support increases for those with a full pension that still remains below the 40,000 lek threshold, receiving a higher bonus of up to 1,800 lek per month.
This mechanism is designed as a monthly redistribution measure to cushion the effects of inflation, focusing mainly on low and average pensions that fall below the critical consumption threshold.
This initiative aims to ease the cost of living for the most vulnerable categories, distributing aid in a tiered manner based on the monthly income level currently received by the elderly.
However, the situation of pensioners in Albania remains a challenge, as the rise in living costs is progressing at a much faster pace than income indexing. For a large portion of the elderly, this bonus does not allow them to make ends meet without support from family members, as it is estimated that the average pension in the country covers only about 30% of actual monthly expenses, according to calculations by international organizations.
While Albania has just begun implementing a bonus scheme of 800 to 1,800 lek (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, following consecutive double-digit increases, according to official sources. Montenegro has already set a relatively high floor for the minimum pension, around 450 euros, significantly diverging from the regional average.
Low-income pensioners are forced to make difficult choices between food and medication. Doctors confirm that many elderly people interrupt treatments for chronic illnesses to save money, leading to more costly medical emergencies for the state.
In conditions where the pension is insufficient, the financial burden shifts to children and family members. Money that could be invested in children's education or business development is instead used to meet the basic needs of elderly parents.
The poor financial treatment of pensioners also contributes to the rise of informality. Current workers, seeing that contributions paid over the years do not guarantee a dignified retirement, choose not to pay social insurance, placing themselves in a long-term uncertain pension scheme.