When an employee of one of our payroll clients in Bulgaria became the father of twins, he asked a seemingly simple question: is the 15-day paternity benefit paid twice? The short answer was no. However, because the twins were discharged from hospital on different dates, our payroll team identified a second, separate entitlement. By preparing a discharge document for each child and filing two applications with the National Social Security Institute (NSSI), we secured compensation for two distinct leave periods instead of one.
Client Background and The Challenge
Client background: medium-sized enterprise operating in the IT sector with approximately 70 employees. An employee of the said client approached us with a question regarding his entitlement to leave and compensation following the birth of twins. He wanted to know whether he was entitled to double compensation because two children had been born. Subsequently, the question was reformulated: what happens when the children are discharged from the hospital on different dates?
The main question was:
“What are the father`s rights and the requirements for receiving compensation for 15 calendar days of leave following the birth of twins or more than one child?”
Our Solution and Approach
In response to the employee’s initial question about whether he was entitled to double compensation because two children had been born, the answer was no. We also explained that the compensation for the 15 calendar days of leave is linked to the children’s discharge from the medical institution.
In practice, the mother and each of the twins may be discharged on different dates due to medical reasons or other circumstances.
We subsequently learned that, in this particular case, the mother and one of the children would be discharged on the same day, while the other child would remain in the hospital for an indefinite period. When twins are discharged on different dates, separate documents must be obtained for each child confirming the date of discharge from the medical institution. Provided that the necessary documents are available, the father may use his right to leave and receive compensation for each child separately, where there are distinct, identifiable periods associated with their respective discharge dates.
If the leave periods overlap, two compensation payments cannot be made simultaneously for the overlapping days. The first compensation period for the first child is interrupted, and a new 15-day period begins on the date the second child is discharged. This approach complies with the rules while still allowing the father to take leave and receive the corresponding compensation.
Therefore, when the children are discharged on different dates and the periods do not overlap, the total duration of the leave may reach 30 calendar days.
Legal and Practical Rationale
The right to 15 calendar days of leave following the birth of a child is linked to the child’s discharge from the medical facility. To establish entitlement to this leave, the employee and the child’s mother must be legally married or cohabiting in the same household.
To receive compensation, the employee must be insured against general sickness and maternity risks at the time of the leave and must have at least six months of insurance for this risk. This qualifying period does not have to be accumulated with the current employer.
In the case of twins, the question arises as to how this entitlement applies when each child has a different discharge date. In such cases, the specific dates, discharge documents and periods for which compensation is claimed must be examined to determine the correct application of the legal requirements.
Results and Measurable Impact
After we explained the requirements, the employee provided us with two separate discharge certificates, one for each child. We submitted the necessary documentation to the National Social Security Institute in two separate applications. As a result, the employee received compensation: 15 calendar days of leave for each one of the twins in accordance with the applicable rules.
Key Takeaways
Following the birth of twins, the right to leave and compensation should not automatically be treated as a single entitlement payable at double the amount. The significant factors are the discharge dates, available documentation and any overlap between the periods. Each case must be assessed individually to determine whether, and under what conditions, the father may take leave and receive compensation.
If your employees face complex leave or social security questions in Bulgaria, Eurofast payroll team can assess each case, prepare the documentation and handle the NSSI filings on your behalf. Contact us to find out how we can support your payroll and HR administration.
For more information or personalized assistance, please contact Vanya Tsoneva, Payroll Specialist at [email protected]