Balkans | From June 1, monthly social benefits in Bulgaria will be linked to the poverty line

Decisions to grant monthly social assistance in Bulgaria will be linked to the poverty line from June 1.

Amendment is possible after the interim government approves the draft regulations to amend the regulations for implementing the law.

Coverage of people supported by the state will be expanded and the amount of aid will be increased.

The changes ensure that a person who receives monthly benefits from June 1 continues to receive state benefits for another three months after starting work. The amount of one-time benefits will also change to meet needs in exceptional circumstances. Currently, this amount is calculated as five times the guaranteed minimum income, and from June 1, this amount will increase to 3 times the poverty line.

Deputy Prime Minister Lazar Lazarov explained that “the amount of aid will increase by just over four times, from 375 BGN to 1,512 BGN.”

Unlike now, people who have not received vaccinations after June 1 or who do not attend school regularly will not be denied benefits.

“Individuals can benefit from social assistance, but they will receive less assistance,” Lazarov said. The working time for the benefit of society has also been reduced from four hours a day to 40 hours a month for 14 days.

Applications for social assistance can be submitted to any preferred social assistance directorate.

CardZhalNews