The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has proposed raising the second-year maternity leave payment to approximately 450 euros per month for the upcoming year, up from the current rate of nearly 399 euros. Social Minister Natalia Efremova announced the adjustment during a parliamentary social committee hearing, where she presented a broader package of proposed increases for child and family financial support.
The proposed budget measures also include an incentive for mothers who choose to return to work early. Under the plan submitted to the Ministry of Finance, returning mothers would receive 75% of their maternity benefit in addition to their regular salary.
Proposed One-Off Childbirth and Student Aid Adjustments
Minister Efremova outlined several adjustments to one-off state aid amounts, though she noted that the figures remain subject to ongoing discussions within the broader macroeconomic framework. The ministry’s draft proposal sets the one-off childbirth allowance at 300 euros for a first child, 720 euros for a second child, and 360 euros for a third child.
Additional increases target students entering specific grade levels. One-off financial support for students enrolled in the first through fourth grades, as well as those entering the eighth grade next year, is proposed to reach 175 euros.
Monthly child allowances for low-income families are also slated for potential growth. The proposed monthly amounts break down to 30 euros (360 euros annually) for one child, 65 euros (780 euros annually) for two children, and 100 euros per month (1,200 euros annually) for three children. Monthly financial aid for children with severe disabilities is proposed to increase by a nominal 100 euros per month for the highest disability percentage, bringing the total to 704 euros per month.
Did You Know? The proposed maternity benefit increase would raise the monthly payout from its current level of nearly 399 euros up to approximately 450 euros for a child’s second year.
Ministry of Finance Tax Relief Plans
Alongside direct benefit adjustments, Minister Efremova referenced ongoing preparations by the Ministry of Finance to introduce targeted tax relief for families with children. The planned tax preferences include deductions of 5,000 euros for one child and 8,000 euros for two children. For families raising a child with a disability, the proposal allows a deduction of 10,000 euros from the total family income.
Proposed increases and return-to-work incentives for maternity leave payments
What is the proposed amount for second-year maternity leave?
The Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has proposed setting the monthly maternity payment for the second year of a child’s life at approximately 450 euros, compared to the current rate of nearly 399 euros.
What incentives are proposed for mothers returning to work early?
The proposal submitted to the Ministry of Finance dictates that if a mother returns to work before her maternity leave concludes, she will receive 75% of her benefit payment alongside her regular salary.
Are these proposed family support amounts final?
Minister Efremova emphasized that the specific amounts are not yet final and will undergo further discussion within the general macroeconomic framework, though the ministry’s intention is to secure increases.
How will these proposed financial adjustments influence family planning and employment decisions for working parents in the coming year?
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