Two thirds of Bulgarians say that they would retire immediately upon gathering the necessary number of points and reaching the required retirement age. This is shown in a nationally representative opinion poll conducted by the National Public Opinion Centre among 1,000 people between June 25 and July 2.

Only six per cent say that they would not retire even if they fulfill the requirements, while 26.5 per cent are undecided. The respondents point to three important conditions for continuing to work even after reaching retirement age: high salaries (68 per cent of the interviewed), safe labor conditions (45 per cent) and payment of social security contributions by the employer that would increase the size of the pension (38 per cent).

Two thirds say they would continue working even after reaching retirement age due to their low income. Twenty-three per cent rule out such possibility.

A total of 43 per cent say they have not paid regularly their social security contributions. 57 per cent say such contributions have been paid for the whole period of their employment. These are mostly people with higher education and high standards of living. The people, who have not paid regularly their contributions, point unemployment as the main reason for this.

Source: BTA