While in the past it was assumed that caring for young children was primarily a mother’s responsibility, today dads play an increasing role in everyday tasks such as diaper change, meal preparation, and more. For this reason, nowadays, unpaid paternity leave is not enough.
In this article, we will look at the changes regarding paternity leave in Bulgaria that are effective from August 2022. We will dive deeper into the topic of paternity and we will also share with you some important things about the required application forms for paternity leave.
Paternity leave and compensations
While dads previously had the right to paternity for 15 days, from August 2022 paternity takes on new dimensions. From August 1, 2022, changes and additions to the Labor Code (LT) and the Social Security Code (SSC) are in force. According to the new laws, fathers as well as adoptive parents of children up to the age of 8 are entitled to a new type of leave and monetary compensation. Bulgarian fathers and adoptive parents of children up to 8 years of age are entitled to paid childcare leave for 2 months a year. The time during which the leave is taken is recognized and recorded as work experience.
Who can benefit
In order to benefit from paid leave or compensation, the father must not have used his leave for the birth of a child (after the child is 6 months old), raising a child up to the age of two and adopting a child up to the age of five. These leaves are granted to fathers with the consent of the mother. In the event that the father has used some of these leaves for a shorter period than two months, he retains his right to leave for the difference between two months and the leave used.
It is important to note that the new leave applies to those who are insured for general sickness and maternity for 12 months.
What are the conditions
Pregnancy, childbirth and raising a child benefits are received subject to specific conditions. In addition to the obligation for the parent to be insured for general illness for at least 12 months, the leave is certified by medical documents that must be presented to the employer. Subject to compliance with the conditions, the benefits are paid when the child is alive, not given up for adoption, not placed in a children’s institution with full state support and not deprived of parental rights. Also, the child must not be placed in a foster family and the mother must have given consent for the leave to be used by the father.
Separately, to use paternity, the father must be the husband of the child’s mother or live with her in the same household. In the case of no marriage, but sharing a household, the father must recognize the child as part of an official procedure.
How paternity is calculated
The financial benefits paid to fathers are calculated on the basis of the average daily wage for a period of the last two years. If within 24 months the father was insured in another EU member country, only the months of insurance in Bulgaria are taken as a basis.
After calculation, the compensation is paid via a bank transfer.
What documentation is required
When it comes to paternity and receiving benefits or paid paternity leave, the following documentation templates are approved:
- Application-declaration for the payment of monetary compensation for raising a child up to the age of 8 by the father (adoptive) on the basis of Art. 53g of CSR;
- Certificate from the insurer regarding the right to monetary compensation of an insured person (currently in effect, Annex No. 10 to the NPOPDOO);
- Certificate regarding the right to monetary compensation of a self-insured person (currently the current appendix No. 11 to the National Social Security Act).
These templates can be found on the official website of the NSSI or the National Social Security Institute. After September 18, 2022, only data from the certificate templates approved by the NSSI will be accepted.
Other privileges for young parents
Young parents can also benefit from other privileges and reliefs. In addition to maternity and paternity benefits, young parents can benefit from mortgage relief, where either spouse is able to benefit from tax relief and reduce their income tax liability. There are other perks available that you should be aware of before taking the big step into parenthood.
With a proven and experienced partner, you will be able to make sure that you are taking the right steps as young parents. At MKAFinance, you can trust a specialist to offer professional advice on maternity, paternity and other parental benefits. Contact us now and let us answer all your questions.
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