The information on this page was collected from public resources.

What other forms of social support/welfare should I know about? (Buddy systems, etc.) Who is eligible? How does someone apply?

There are several financial support programs for Ukrainians in Bulgaria:

  • one-time financial assistance โ€“ 375 leva (โ‚ฌ180). For registration you need to contact the Social Assistance Office mceclip0.png at the address of your residence. You must provide for reference a Registration Card of a foreigner with temporary protection, your personal document from the country of origin and an Address Card of a foreigner (issued to you by the Migration Directorate at the Regional Office of the Ministry of Interior or the hotel where you reside). The documents are submitted for reference. An application is filled in, in which data about you and your family members are declared. Within 27 days after submitting the application, you will be notified whether you have been granted the one-off assistance.You can receive the granted assistance in a post office serving the address where you live, or in a personal Bulgarian bank account;
  • target payment for issuing an identification card โ€“ 75 leva (โ‚ฌ38);
  • assistance for heating - paid for 5 months, during the heating season.;
  • monthly financial support for low-income families;
  • payment from the UNHCR.

Only persons with temporary protection status who meet certain criteria can receive a one-time cash payment from the UNHCR.

Requirements for aid recipients

Financial support can be received by families which:

1. Fit under the vulnerable category. This status is determined by the presence of:

  • Family members with disabilities or serious health conditions (inability to take care of themselves);
  • Children in the risk group (a child who has own kids, under-aged married person, teenage pregnancy, child involved in child labor);
  • Elderly people from the risk group (a single person over the age of 60 who is the sole caretaker of a child);
  • A pregnant woman or a woman whoโ€™s nursing a baby;
  • Single father or mother with more than three children;
  • A person who has survived torture, human trafficking, or psychological trauma;
  • LGBT person who faces certain protection risks.

2. Have limited financial resources or lack of income;

3. Will become less vulnerable after receiving a financial payment.

How to apply?

Employees of UNHCR mceclip0.png partnering organizations (BCH, BHK, RZHB, PHAR) or international organizations (UNICEF mceclip0.png, IOM) will apply for payment. They will assess your family's level of vulnerability and fill out a questionnaire.

You must leave your correct phone number (Ukrainian or Bulgarian) to receive an invitation to an interview.

Points where you can get help

  • Sofia. Information and Integration Center of BCH, blvd. Evlogi and Christ George 165;
  • Varna. Bulgarian Red Cross / "Blue Point", str. "Brothers Shkorpil" 3;
  • Burgas. Bulgarian Red Cross, g.k. Revival c. 7.

Other forms of social support

A Facebook group mceclip0.png of volunteers offering accommodation, transport and other types of support

The link mceclip0.png also includes all humanitarian centers that support Ukrainians in Bulgaria.

An information site mceclip0.png supporting Ukrainians in Bulgaria.

Free legal assistance of UA Support mceclip0.png for refugees from different countries.

Are there any social benefits I can claim such as child support?

There are no special child benefits.Only a one-time payment for the whole family in the amount of 375 leva is provided.

Are there any social benefits for pregnant and nursing women?

A pregnant woman or a nursing mother may qualify for assistance from the UN.

How to apply?

Employees of UNHCR partnering organizations (BCH, BHK, RZHB, PHAR) or international organizations (UNICEF, IOM) will apply for payment. They will assess your family's level of vulnerability and fill out a questionnaire.

You must leave your correct phone number (Ukrainian or Bulgarian) to receive an invitation to an interview.

Points where you can get help

  • Sofia. Information and Integration Center of BCH, blvd. Evlogi and Christ George 165;
  • Varna. Bulgarian Red Cross / "Blue Point", str. "Brothers Shkorpil" 3;
  • Burgas. Bulgarian Red Cross, g.k. Revival c. 7.
How can I meet and socialize with other Ukrainians in a similar position?

You can meet and start communicating with Ukrainians in Bulgaria in these Facebook groups:

ะฃะบั€ะฐั—ะฝั†ั– ะ‘ะพะปะณะฐั€ั–ั— - ะฃะบั€ะฐะธะฝั†ะธ ะฒ ะ‘ัŠะปะณะฐั€ะธั - Ukrainians in Bulgaria mceclip0.png

ะฃะบั€ะฐั—ะฝั†ั– ะ’ะฐั€ะฝะธ - ะฃะบั€ะฐะธะฝั†ะธั‚ะต ะฒัŠะฒ ะ’ะฐั€ะฝะฐ - Ukrainians in Varna ะ‘ะพะปะณะฐั€ั–ั mceclip0.png

ะฃะบั€ะฐั—ะฝั†ั– ะฒ ะ‘ะพะปะณะฐั€ั–ั— mceclip0.png

A Facebook group mceclip0.png with information about affordable housing for refugees and the opportunity to communicate with others (also posts about helping with things, etc.)
Are there specific social supports available to me if I am elderly?

There are no special social benefits for elderly refugees from Ukraine. But you can ask the Red Cross mceclip0.png for help.

An elderly person can apply for UN assistance.

How to apply?

Employees of UNHCR partnering organizations (BCH, BHK, RZHB, PHAR) or international organizations (UNICEF, IOM) will apply for payment. They will assess your family's level of vulnerability and fill out a questionnaire.

You must leave your correct phone number (Ukrainian or Bulgarian) to receive an invitation to an interview.

Points where you can get help

  • Sofia. Information and Integration Center of BCH, blvd. Evlogi and Christ George 165;
  • Varna. Bulgarian Red Cross / "Blue Point", str. "Brothers Shkorpil" 3;
  • Burgas. Bulgarian Red Cross, g.k. Revival c. 7.

More information here mceclip0.png.

Are there specific social supports available to me if I have a disability?

There are no special social benefits for elderly refugees from Ukraine. But you can ask the Red Cross mceclip0.png for help.

People with disabilities can apply for UN assistance.

How to apply?

Employees of UNHCR partnering organizations (BCH, BHK, RZHB, PHAR) or international organizations (UNICEF, IOM) will apply for payment. They will assess your family's level of vulnerability and fill out a questionnaire.

You must leave your correct phone number (Ukrainian or Bulgarian) to receive an invitation to an interview.

Points where you can get help

  • Sofia. Information and Integration Center of BCH, blvd. Evlogi and Christ George 165;
  • Varna. Bulgarian Red Cross / ""Blue Point"", str. ""Brothers Shkorpil"" 3;
  • Burgas. Bulgarian Red Cross, g.k. Revival c. 7.

More information here mceclip0.png.

How can I help others? What volunteering organisations could I join?
How can Ukrainians apply for a Ukrainian pension abroad?

According to the Ministry of Reintegration, Ukrainians who were forced to go abroad due to the war can now send an application for the appointment or renewal of a pension by mail.

An application for the appointment (renewal) of a pension can be sent to any territorial body of the Pension Fund of Ukraine, regardless of the person's place of registration.

Infographics mceclip0.png

Source mceclip0.png