Moldova to Impute Income of 7,500 Lei for Informal Workers When Calculating Energy Compensations

The benefits calculation system will automatically factor in an estimated monthly income of 7,500 lei, even if an applicant declares that they earn nothing or reports a lower amount. The mechanism is intended to prevent people from concealing their earnings in order to receive higher compensation payments. According to Labor and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru, the amount was set at half the average monthly salary across the economy. During the previous heating season, the figure was lower, at 6,300 lei, moldova1.md reports. “If a person works unofficially, meaning they do not pay taxes, and we cannot verify through the State Tax Service whether they have any income, the system automatically factors in 7,500 lei, even if they declare zero income or a smaller amount, such as 3,000 or 5,000 lei,” Natalia Plugaru explained during the În Context program on Moldova 1. This is not an actual salary, but an imputed income used to assess a household’s financial situation. As a result, a household may be classified as having a lower level of vulnerability, which would affect the amount of assistance it receives. The minister urged citizens to work legally and declare their actual earnings. “If you do not work legally, fail to declare your income or report an understated salary, we factor in half the average salary across the economy. In that case, you risk not receiving compensation. Our appeal is to declare your income, because those who do so, even if they earn less, have a much better chance of receiving compensation,” Natalia Plugaru stressed. The rule does not apply to all citizens without formal employment. Their status is also taken into account when calculating payments. Exceptions are provided, for example, for pensioners, students, registered unemployed people and recipients of social assistance. Registration for energy compensation began on November 2. To receive assistance for November, applicants must submit an application by the 27th of the month via the compensatii.gov.md website or through a social worker. Monthly payments will range from 500 to 1,000 lei, depending on the type of heating and the household’s financial situation. The first payments are scheduled for mid-December. According to government estimates, between 660,000 and 670,000 households will receive financial assistance during the 2026–2027 cold season. The program will require between 2.6 billion and 2.7 billion lei. Each application will be assessed individually, taking into account income, household composition and other eligibility criteria.