Around 350,000 food parcels will be distributed annually with the familiar food products from the first programming period and as many more with hygiene materials, which are a new type of assistance.

Each eligible person will receive a total of BGN 623.55 for the period 1 November 2022 - 31 March 2023, which is BGN 100 or nearly 20% more than last heating season. “The higher amount of the benefit will start to be paid from August 15,” Minister Lazarov explained.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Lazarov approved an order to provide nearly BGN 5.7 million under the National Employment Action Plan. Additional funds will be directed towards employment and training programmes and measures for people from vulnerable groups in the labour market.