25.07.2023

THE PROCEDURE FOR AID FOR DAMAGED HOMES DURING DISASTERS IS SIMPLIFIED

The procedure for granting social assistance of up to BGN 2,500 to people and families whose homes have been damaged in crisis situations is being simplified.

The announcement to open a procedure for granting assistance under the new rules, which expand the scope of those assisted, was approved by order of the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Ivanka Shalapatova, the MLSP reported.

According to the changes in the application conditions, the funds will be granted regardless of the income of the applicants for their home at their current address. There is no requirement that it be the only one, but the household must live in it permanently. This will enable more families to be helped.

People and families who have suffered in crisis situations such as floods, earthquakes, fires or other disasters are entitled to support from the "Social Protection" fund. The funds are allocated specifically for the purchase of equipment or furnishings for the damaged dwelling or object in a residential building. It must be legally built and legally occupied by the people in the household.

In order to be entitled to assistance from the fund, they must have received one-time assistance in connection with the crisis situation that has arisen in accordance with the Regulations for the Implementation of the Law on Social Assistance from the "Social Assistance" Directorate, on whose territory the dwelling at the current address is located. In the presence of identical assistance from the municipal administration, they must also be assisted with it, as well as if they did not receive financing for equipment and furnishings in any other way.

Social assistance in crisis situations is granted after submission of an application-declaration according to a model by the injured people in the municipal administration at the current address and presentation of all necessary documents. The board of directors of the "Social Protection" fund makes a decision on the granting of social assistance. The budget of the Fund for Social Assistance in Crisis Situations is up to BGN 860,000.