04.06.2020  

THE UNEMPLOYED WILL RETAIN THEIR SOCIAL BENEFITS IF THEY INCLUDE IN SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORK

Unemployed people who sign an employment contract for short-term seasonal agricultural work in accordance with the amendments to the Health Act, which came into force on May 14, will retain their right to monthly social benefits. They will also be entitled to heating allowances if they meet all other conditions and requirements for receiving them. The preservation of the right to support is guaranteed by amendments to the Regulations for the Implementation of the Social Assistance Act, which were approved by the Bulgarian government.

According to the amendments, until 31 October 2020, wages and related payments from concluded employment contracts for short-term seasonal agricultural work will not be considered as income when determining the amount of social benefits. This guarantees the unemployed who have started such work that they will not be deprived of the monthly social assistance they have received so far. If they submit an application-declaration for targeted heating aid, the excess of the income limit as a result of the received remuneration will not be a reason to deny them the aid.

The amendments create conditions for promoting the labor activity of the unemployed and their inclusion in the labor market, as well as for increasing their incomes without losing their right to social assistance. At the same time, farmers are being helped to make it easier to find workers during the harvest season.