11.11.2021

HOW TO APPLY FOR NEW HEATING ASSISTANCE

The Social Assistance Agency has launched a campaign to provide a one-time financial support for heating of BGN 300 to people and families from vulnerable groups to overcome the consequences of rising fuel prices and the epidemic.

The new aid was introduced by the caretaker government on November 4, and the budget of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy provides BGN 15 million for its payment. It is expected to support about 50,000 families in difficulty during the upcoming winter season.

The right to receive it have people and families who have been denied targeted heating assistance for the upcoming winter season due to exceeding the defined differentiated income by up to BGN 30 or due to failure to meet the requirement for 6-month mandatory registration as unemployed, which, however is active as of November 1. These people do not need to re-apply to the Social Assistance Directorates to receive the assistance. It will be provided to them under a simplified procedure and as soon as possible after an official verification of the data.

People who meet the criteria but have not submitted their documents within the deadline for submitting applications for heating aid, which expired on 31 October 2021, can also count on this support. They must submit an application-declaration to the directorate "Social assistance”at the current address no later than November 23, in which to declare their income for 6 consecutive months in the period April 1 to September 30, 2021.

The sample application is published on the website of the Social Assistance Agency, under the heading "Social assistance", under the heading "One-time financial support for heating".

Due to the complicated epidemic situation in the country, it is recommended that people do not personally visit the receptions of the Social Assistance Directorates, but send applications through a licensed postal operator, electronically through the Secure Electronic Service System or e-mail to the Social Assistance Directorate. You can get more information here.

The aid will be paid once in December 2021, according to the way chosen by the people - by personal bank account or through "Bulgarian Posts" EAD. In case someone is not able to personally receive their help at the post office, this can be done by a relative/familiar with a notarized power of attorney. In order to ensure the maximum receipt of one-time financial support, it is recommended that it be transferred by bank transfer.

The funds for one-time financial support not received in December 2021 are reimbursed to the state budget. The Social Assistance Agency will inform in due time about the period of payment of the one-time financial support in the post offices in the country.