New subsistence minimum (SM) amounts per capita and by major socio-demographic groups have been approved for the period from August 1 to October 31, 2019, by Resolution No. 37 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection dated July 19, 2019. This information has been published on the National Legal Internet Portal, according to BELTA.
The per capita SM is increasing from Br224.02, set on May 1, to Br230.91.
The new SM for the working-age population is Br257.05, for pensioners - Br176.75, for students - Br223.93, for children under 3 years of age - Br147.18, for children aged 3 to 6 years - Br203.38, and for children aged 6 to 18 years - Br250.19.
The increase in the per capita subsistence minimum is primarily due to the rise in food prices.
The percentage increase in the SM varies for different socio-demographic groups, which is related to differences in food consumption norms for these population categories, as well as their share in the structure of food expenditures.
Due to the change in the SM, starting from August 1, minimum labour and social pensions will increase; supplements, increases to pensions, and additional payments for individuals aged 75 and over receiving pensions from labour, employment, and social protection bodies; benefits for caring for a disabled person of group I or a person who has reached the age of 80; and state benefits for children will be increased.
The subsistence minimum, as a social standard, is intended for analysing and forecasting the living standards of the population, providing state social assistance to low-income citizens (families), and substantiating minimum state social and labour guarantees.
The Resolution comes into force after official publication.