Social policy
News on social assistance, pensions, employment, income, welfare programs, and protection of vulnerable groups.
Over 220,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection in Bulgaria since the start of the war
UNICEF Bulgaria reports that nearly 80,000 Ukrainian citizens continue to live in Bulgaria, of whom about 24,000 are children. The organization provides support for Ukrainian children and families, including educational assistance and psychological support.
Social Assistance Agency Sends Teams to Flood-Affected Areas in Haskovo and Kardzhali Regions
Teams from the Social Assistance Agency (SAA) are providing support to those affected by the floods in Haskovo region, Ardino and Galabovo. They will provide information on disaster relief assistance.
Hasan Ademov Takes Over the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy: Priorities and Challenges
Hasan Ademov assumes the post of Minister of Labour and Social Policy. Key priorities include fair elections, fairness in social policy, support for vulnerable groups, and collaboration with municipalities to address unfair practices. Pensions are guaranteed under the Social Security Code.
Government Provides Properties for Refugee Centers: What Does It Mean?
The outgoing Council of Ministers has decided to provide properties to the State Agency for Refugees. The aim is to build centers for accommodating people seeking international protection, despite the low occupancy of existing centers.
Caretaker Government Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees Until 2027.
The caretaker Council of Ministers has decided to extend the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria until March 4, 2027, following an EU decision. There will be a re-registration process until April 2026.
Borislav Gutsanov Reports Successes in the Social Sphere: Inspections in Homes, Salary Increases, and Measures for the Demographic Crisis
Within his mandate, Social Minister Borislav Gutsanov reports positive results in social policy. These include intensified inspections in homes for the elderly, termination of the activities of illegal facilities, improvements in the living conditions of the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as measures to combat the demographic crisis.
Will the temporary protection for Ukrainians in Bulgaria be extended until 2027 and what does this mean in practice
The EU has already decided to extend the temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 2027. How does this affect people in Bulgaria, what rights do they retain and what steps should they take from now on?
Young Families and Demographics: How to Bring Back Nine Million to Bulgaria?
Experts discussed the demographic crisis in Bulgaria at a political party discussion, focusing on young families and incomes. The emphasis was on the problems of motherhood, birth rate, mortality, the lack of family policy, and the need for changes in the social and healthcare systems. Statistics on population decline and future forecasts were discussed.
When and How Pensions and Benefits Will Be Paid in February
The National Social Security Institute (NSSI) has announced the dates for the payment of pensions, maternity benefits, and unemployment benefits in February. Find out details about the deadlines and payment methods.
Gutsanov on Pensions, Minimum Wage and Euro: No Threat to the Vulnerable
Borislav Gutsanov commented on current topics of social policy in a broadcast on BNT. The increase of the minimum wage, pensions, the euro and the upcoming BSP congress were discussed.
Ombudsperson Delcheva Calls for Strict Control over Restraint of Mentally Ill Patients
Ombudsperson Velislava Delcheva insists on strict regulations for the restraint of mentally ill patients and improved care. She submitted a position to the Health Committee with proposals for changes to the Health Act, including clear grounds, procedures, and duration of isolation and immobilization measures, as well as the creation of an information system.
Caretaker Council of Ministers Allocates Additional Funding for Ukrainian Refugees
The caretaker Council of Ministers approved additional funding for humanitarian aid to displaced persons from Ukraine residing in Bulgaria. The total sum amounts to over 2 million euros.
Assistive Devices for Over 200 People with Disabilities: Social Minister Announces New Decision
Outgoing Minister Borislav Gutsanov announced a decision to provide assistive devices to over 200 people with disabilities. Additional funds and a mechanism for disaster prevention have been approved.
Multi-Fund Model in Supplementary Pension Insurance: The Goal of the Bill
Deputy Minister of Finance Kiril Ananiev presented a bill to amend the Social Security Code, introducing the multi-fund model in supplementary pension insurance. The aim is to adapt supplementary pension insurance to the OECD recommendations and to give insured persons the opportunity to choose an investment profile.
Government to Allocate €1550 in Aid to Families Affected by Disasters in 2026.
The outgoing government announced additional aid of €1550 for families affected by natural disasters in 2026. The funds are intended for people whose properties have been affected by hurricane-force winds and will be allocated from the budget of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.