Florin Manole announces aid of up to 500 lei for pensioners and proposes extending energy vouchers

Minister of Labour Florin Manole announced that approximately 2.8 million pensioners will receive the second installment of financial support in December, worth 300, 400 or 500 lei, depending on their monthly income. The official will also propose extending the vouchers for electricity payments after the current scheme expires at the end of the year.

Pensioners with incomes of up to 1,500 lei will receive 500 lei, those with pensions between 1,501 and 2,000 lei will receive 400 lei, while people receiving between 2,001 and 3,000 lei will receive 300 lei. Manole said that pension payments are not at risk, regardless of any potential changes in the Government or at ministerial level.

The minister explained that a 7.3% increase in pensions in 2027 results from applying the legal formula and does not, for the time being, represent an approved decision. He said he would support compliance with the law in discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the prime minister, as inflation has reduced pensioners’ purchasing power.

Currently, more than 700,000 households receive monthly aid of 50 lei for energy payments. The Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Energy are analyzing the continuation of the scheme during the winter months, but the amount and eligibility thresholds have not been established. Manole stressed that support should be directed especially toward vulnerable households, including low-income pensioners in large cities.