site.btaSocial Policy Ministry’s Budget to Be Increased by BGN 400 Mln, Minister Shalapatova Says

Commenting on the Finance Ministry's budget proposal for 2024 in the morning talk show of the Bulgarian National Television on Saturday, Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivanka Shalapatova said that her ministry's budget is envisaged to be increased by BGN 400 million. This draft budget is yet to be discussed, she noted, adding that such a large increase in the Labour and Social Ministry's budget has not taken place in recent years.

Shalapatova stressed that serious increases in some of her ministry’s financial assistance mechanisms are envisaged for 2024. For example, the monthly financial support to families raising a disabled child is planned to increase by nearly BGN 250 to reach BGN 1,180 per month. One-off birth grants will go up by 50% and the monthly child allowance will be increased, as well, the Minister added.

"This is a good [draft] budget because it also includes an increase in the resource for social benefits," Shalapatova said. She explained that the ministry's policy is not focused on providing financial assistance only, but also on deploying a wide range of social services that are extremely supportive of people. "Let the assistance be where it is needed, let it be targeted, and at the same time let us provide social services," Shalapatova added.