EXCLUSIVE: Romanian Govt Wants To Recover Social Benefits Cashed By Ineligible Beneficiaries

Social security benefits destined for people with low incomes will be provided after a check of the applicants’ sources of income, as well as property that can be capitalized, says a government paper obtained by MEDIAFAX.

The Government plans to merge the complementary family allowance, the single parent allowance, the minimum wage and the heating subsidy (all destined for families with low income) into a single program, called „minimum insertion income,” by January 2013.

Claimants of social benefits will file a single form, on their assets and income, checked using the data recorded by the government revenue service, population registry and other such bodies.

The document also says the Executive wants to recover benefits received unjustifiably by seekers of social assistance, by lowering the value of later payments, creating a repayment schedule, or even criminal action in serious cases.