Year-end bonus of €150 announced for vulnerable families and caregivers

TIRANA, Dec. 26 – The Albanian government has approved a year-end bonus of €150 for 275,000 individuals and families benefiting from social protection schemes. The move, announced by Minister of Health and Social Welfare Albana Koçiu, aims to provide support during the holiday season to those most in need.

For the first time, the program includes assistants and caregivers of people with disabilities, a significant step toward broader social support. Koçiu said that 18,000 caregivers would benefit, in addition to recipients of economic aid, children without parental care, and individuals with disabilities such as those with pre- and tetraplegic conditions or blind status.

“This year, we are expanding the program to acknowledge the role of caregivers, who provide essential support to persons with disabilities,” Koçiu said. “We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind during the festive season.”

Major boost for social protection

The €150 bonus—equivalent to 15,000 leks—is funded through a state budget allocation of approximately 2.1 billion leks. Koçiu emphasized that this financial boost underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to prioritize vulnerable communities.

In addition to immediate financial aid, Koçiu revealed plans to revise the social allowance scheme to promote self-sufficiency. Adults within beneficiary families who are eligible to work will be referred to the Agency for Vocational Training to develop skills and improve job prospects.

“Social allowance is essential, but it’s not a long-term solution,” Koçiu noted. “We aim to empower individuals to support their families independently.”