From 1 August 2022, fathers and adoptive parents are entitled to a new type of paid leave for raising a child until the child reaches the age of 8. The amendments to the Labour Code, promulgated in the Official Journal, No. 62 of 5 August 2022, apply retroactively from 1 August 2022.
Amount of the benefit During this leave, the father (or adoptive parent) is paid a benefit by the National Social Security Institute (НОИ). The amount of the benefit is the same as that for mothers during the child's second year. For 2022, this sum amounts to BGN 710 per month. It is important to note that this amount is determined annually by the State Social Insurance Budget Act.
Requirements for taking the leave A condition for taking the leave is that the father/adoptive parent has been insured for general illness and maternity for a period of at least 12 months. Furthermore, the leave may not be taken if the father has already used another leave for raising a child up to the age of two, or another similar leave provided for in the Labour Code.
Rights of self-insured persons Self-insured fathers and adoptive parents are also entitled to this type of leave with benefit, provided that they have accrued 12 months of insurance service for general illness and maternity.
Terms of use and partial use The leave may be taken in full or in parts. There is no provision for transferring this leave to the other parent.
Recognition as length of service and health insurance The time during which the leave is taken is recognised as employment and insurance service. The health insurance contributions during the period of leave are borne by the employer. If the father/adoptive parent is a self-insured person, the health insurance contributions are borne by them.
Procedure for notifying the employer In order to take the leave, the father/adoptive parent must notify their employer at least 10 working days before the start of the period.
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