Scheme for siphoning off social security benefits was uncovered by NSSI employees in Smolyan

A scheme to siphon off the State Social Insurance was uncovered by employees of the National Social Security Institute in the city of Smolyan, Southern Bulgaria. 57 people, who worked in Spain, submitted documents for unemployment compensation and were supposed to receive over half a million BGN.

40 of them were paid over 250,000 BGN. However, a report by the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate in the Spanish province of Burgos showed that these people had not paid social security contributions. The Spanish authorities discovered another 9 people who had also submitted applications for compensations to other branches of the Social Security Institute in the country without having paid social security contributions. In the end, 26 people did not receive benefits and those who took money unlawfully have to pay it back with interest.

According to an analysis by the NSSI, for four years pensions granted under special conditions have increased by 18%, while pensions granted under the general procedure have decreased by just over 5%.

Category workers, ballerinas, ballet dancers get retired under special conditions. People who do not have the required length of service also fall into this category because the retirement age for them is higher. A reduced pension is paid to all those who have the required length of service but have decided to retire up to one year before the retirement age.