Who is Eligible for Social Patronage?

In Bulgaria, individuals who, due to age or health conditions, cannot care for themselves and perform daily activities are entitled to social patronage. This service provides assistance at home, including food delivery, medication, help with household chores, and social support. Here are the groups of people who can benefit:

1. Elderly People
   • Individuals over the age of 65 who have difficulties caring for themselves and require assistance with their daily activities.
2. People with Disabilities
   • Individuals with permanent disabilities (physical, mental, or sensory) who cannot independently manage basic daily activities such as eating, hygiene, or mobility. They must have documented disabilities, such as a decision from the Territorial Expert Medical Commission (TEMC) or the National Expert Medical Commission (NEMC) indicating reduced working capacity or disability.
3. People with Chronic Illnesses
   • Individuals with severe chronic diseases who require regular care and monitoring in a home setting.
4. Socially Vulnerable Individuals in Need of Support
   • Individuals in difficult social situations (socially vulnerable) who, due to health conditions or other circumstances, cannot care for themselves.

What Services Does Social Patronage Include?

• Delivery of food to the home.
• Assistance with daily activities such as maintaining hygiene, laundry, and cleaning.
• Purchase and delivery of medications, if needed.
• Provision of social and emotional support.

How to Apply for Social Patronage?

• Applications should be submitted to the local municipality or the relevant social services department.

Required Documents:

• Identification card.
• Medical documents (e.g., decision from TEMC/NEMC or discharge summaries).
• Proof of social status (if required).
• Additional documents that the municipality may request.

Social patronage is aimed at supporting individuals who live alone or in difficult circumstances and do not have relatives to assist them with daily care.