Financial assistance for studies of individuals having the status of orphans up to the age of 18 will be increased from Denar 9,000 to Denar 12,000 if they use a social leased apartment, and from Denar 18,000 to Denar 24,000 if they do not use such an apartment.

This is stipulated in the latest amendments to the Law on Social Protection, which Minister of Labor and Social Policy Spiro Ristovski presented at Saturday's press conference.

"The funds allocated for this purpose by the Ministry will annually increase by Denar 4 million", said Mr. Ristovski.

According to him, the Government has continually worked towards improvement of the position of this category.

"The one-time assistance upon departure from the orphanage has increased from Denar 30,000 to Denar 180,000, measures have been undertaken for their easier employment, but also social housing has been provided", added Minister Ristovski.