ZAGREB, 30 May (Hina) - A social benefits calculator was presented on Thursday at a meeting of the National Council for the Development of Social Policies.

It is designed to make it easier for citizens to access information about which benefits from the social welfare system they may be entitled to, as well as how and to whom they should submit their applications.

The social benefits calculator is available at the website naknade.hr, and users are required to answer a very simple questionnaire about household members, whether they live alone, whether they own a personal vehicle, whether they have a lifelong support agreement, and similar topics.

After answering the series of questions, citizens will receive a summary indicating which benefits they may potentially be eligible for.

In addition to informing them about the benefits they are likely to qualify for, the system will also guide them to the relevant authorities to which applications should be submitted, as well as provide the necessary application forms.

"The aim is to improve citizens’ awareness, ensure access to rights and benefits, and thus reduce poverty and social exclusion, while also encouraging citizens to exercise their rights," said Tanja Žaja, Director of the Directorate for Family and Social Policy at the Labour and Social Policy Ministry.