10.05.2023

FROM JUNE 1, THE CHANGES IN THE LAW ON SOCIAL ASSISTANCE COME INTO FORCE

From June 1, when the changes in the Law on Social Assistance come into force, adults who leave residential type of services will be entitled to receive, for a period of three months, targeted assistance in the amount of the poverty line for the relevant year.

With changes to the regulations for the implementation of the Social Assistance Act, due to be approved by the government very soon, state benefits will be tied to the poverty line or a percentage of it. This will extend the reach of people on benefits by around 80% compared to now and increase the amounts by between 60 and 120% depending on the target groups. It is planned that when a person on monthly social assistance starts working, he will continue to receive benefits for another 3 months.

The one-time social assistance to cover individually arising needs will also be in a new amount. Now it is defined as five times the amount of the guaranteed minimum income and is BGN 375. From June 1, this aid will be three times the poverty line or BGN 1,512 for this year.

In addition, the submission of an application for the granting of social assistance will be possible at any Social Assistance Directorate of one's choice. Thus, help will be able to be sought if necessary, regardless of where the person in need is located on the territory of the country.