Pensioners start receiving 5,000-lek summer bonus

Pensioners in Albania have started receiving a 5,000-lek summer bonus, with 33,000 people paid on Thursday alongside their regular pension.

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government has set aside 3.9 billion leks for the bonus, funded from extra revenue linked to economic growth.

She said the government plans to move from year-end pension bonuses to monthly top-ups from 2026. Pensioners with full work records and pensions below 400 euros would receive an extra 1,800 lek a month, while those with partial work records and pensions below 220 euros would receive 800 lek.