Moldova heating compensation: application deadline nears
The specific amount for the Moldova heating compensation will be tailored to each household individually, following the conclusion of the application process, announced the new Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Natalia Plugaru.
The registration window for this crucial energy bill aid opens on Monday, November 3, and closes on November 28. Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the official compensatii.gov.md portal.
"The compensation value will be set individually for every family, factoring in specific criteria: the heating source, family income, the number of members, their status—pensioners, students, minors, persons with disabilities, and other relevant factors," the Minister stated today during a press briefing.
Natalia Plugaru confirmed that officials cannot yet quote a final value as "exact calculations do not exist yet." Payments will be disbursed either directly to a bank card or made available for pickup at local post offices.
"It is currently premature to state the total budget sum or the minimum/maximum compensation level. We will release this crucial information only after the registration period closes, post-November 28, ensuring clarity," the Minister noted.
Regarding the electricity subsidy applied directly to bills, Minister Plugaru clarified this is a distinct payment type, with the current program secured until the end of 2025. She declined to comment on its continuation into the following year at this time.
How to apply for social assistance online
The entire application process on the online application portal, compensatii.gov.md, is digital.
Minister Plugaru described the process as "simple, fast, and accessible to everyone." An official video guide is available on the institution's website, detailing every step for citizens seeking winter heating costs support.
For citizens needing help, support is provided by trained social assistants and specialists from the Unified Centers for Public Service Provision—the "only authorized personnel who can assist with the application," the Minister stressed.
Plugaru urged applicants not to rush in the first days, assuring there is "absolutely sufficient time." If the platform experiences slowdowns, citizens should "return later or in a few days."
What happens after November 28?
Once registrations close, applications will be rigorously cross-referenced against approximately 11 state databases. This includes the State Tax Service, National Social Insurance House, Public Services Agency, energy providers, and disability councils.
"Based on this aggregated data, the payment will be calculated individually for each household. As in previous years, payment is monetary. Eligible households can choose one of three disbursement methods: direct deposit to an existing social card, pickup at any post office (with ID), or a bank account nominated by the primary applicant during registration," Natalia Plugaru detailed.
Last year, roughly 1.5% of all applications submitted were fraudulent attempts to secure government subsidy.
Beware of scams
The Minister issued a strong warning against potential fraud schemes.
"If you receive messages, SMS, or phone calls soliciting personal or bank details, please do not comply and report these attempts to the police. In this official program, no one calls or requests such information," she emphasized.
Plugaru assured the public that the compensatii.gov.md platform is secure, built to high cybersecurity standards, protecting personal data. Registration must be done either individually online, with a highly trusted family member, or via an authorized social worker.
For further inquiries, the public can call the Green Line 0 8000 5000, available Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 18:00.
The Government of the Republic of Moldova offers this aid at the meter to vulnerable households for winter heating costs between November and March, under the "Aid at the Meter" Program launched in 2022.
Over 720,000 families (more than 1.5 million members) received this support for the November 2024 – March 2025 season. In the preceding cold season, the Government allocated 2.69 billion lei to this support initiative.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
