The Croatian government has approved a one-time payment of €80 to all pensioners and recipients of the national allowance for the elderly ahead of Christmas. Approximately €100 million will be allocated for this initiative, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasizing the state’s commitment to its senior citizens.

"The government is in a position today to decide on a Christmas bonus of €80 for all pensioners—more than 1.23 million of them. We believe this is a significant gesture of solidarity, sending a message that the state cares for our senior citizens," said the Prime Minister at the start of the session.

One-Time Payment Details

The €80 bonus, exempt from garnishments, will be paid this month to recipients of pensions from Croatia’s mandatory pension insurance and beneficiaries of the national allowance for the elderly who are on record as of November 2024.

Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy Minister Marin Piletić noted that this is the ninth such bonus payment approved by the government, which has allocated over €612 million for these initiatives since their inception.

“This payment will have no limits, income thresholds, or tiers. The €80 will be distributed to all pensioners,” he explained, highlighting that the decision was reached in cooperation with the Union of Pensioners, the Pensioners’ Association, and the Croatian Pensioners’ Party.

Supporting Nearly 1.25 Million Recipients

Croatia has 1,228,000 pensioners and 17,500 recipients of the national allowance for the elderly. The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute will ensure the allocation of €98.6 million for this initiative.