The Bulgarian government has announced plans to increase second-year maternity benefits to 613 euros, a move aimed at supporting families and promoting a better work-life balance. This decision is part of a broader effort to improve the country’s social welfare system and provide more comprehensive support to families. The increased benefits will be available to mothers who have taken maternity leave and are returning to work or starting their own businesses. The government believes that this increase will help to reduce the burden on families and allow them to better care for their children. The new benefits will be funded by the state and will be available to all eligible mothers, regardless of their income or employment status. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, as it will enable more women to return to work and contribute to the workforce. The government has also announced plans to introduce other family-friendly policies, including flexible working hours and childcare support. These initiatives are designed to promote a better balance between work and family life and to support families in their caregiving responsibilities. The increased maternity benefits are also expected to have a positive impact on the birth rate in Bulgaria, which has been declining in recent years. By providing more support to families, the government hopes to encourage more women to have children and to help reverse the declining birth rate. The new benefits will be available from January 2024 and will be paid for a period of 12 months. The government has allocated a significant budget for this initiative and expects that it will have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of families. The increased benefits will also help to reduce poverty and inequality, as they will provide a vital source of income for families who are struggling to make ends meet. The government has consulted with various stakeholders, including employers, trade unions, and family organizations, to ensure that the new benefits meet the needs of families and are effective in promoting a better work-life balance. The introduction of the increased maternity benefits is part of a broader effort to modernize the social welfare system in Bulgaria and to provide more comprehensive support to families. The government believes that this initiative will have a positive impact on the economy and on society as a whole, and will help to promote a more family-friendly and supportive environment. The increased benefits will be subject to certain conditions, including that the mother must have been employed for at least 12 months prior to taking maternity leave. The government has also announced plans to introduce other benefits, including paternity leave and adoption leave, as part of its efforts to promote a more family-friendly environment. The introduction of the increased maternity benefits is a significant step forward for families in Bulgaria and is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people. The government is committed to continuing to support families and to promoting a better work-life balance, and this initiative is an important part of that effort. The increased benefits will be available to mothers who are employed in both the public and private sectors, and will be paid regardless of the size of the employer. The government has also announced plans to introduce other initiatives, including childcare support and flexible working hours, as part of its efforts to promote a more family-friendly environment. The introduction of the increased maternity benefits is a significant step forward for Bulgaria and is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and on society as a whole.