Ukraine plans to increase childbirth benefits

Discussions are underway in Ukraine to raise the amount of financial aid provided at the birth of a child. Since 2014, this amount has remained unchanged despite inflation and rising living costs. A new bill aims to increase the support, offering substantial help to young parents and encouraging higher birth rates.

The proposals include a large one-time payment for initial needs, along with additional monthly payments to support families with newborns.

On November 6, 2024, the Verkhovna Rada registered Draft Law No. 12184, amending Article 12 of the Law of Ukraine “On State Assistance to Families with Children” to improve support for families, including a fair increase in childbirth benefits. Under the proposal, the childbirth benefit would be calculated based on the subsistence minimum for children under six years old on the child’s birth date.

The benefit would consist of a one-time payment equal to 25 times the subsistence minimum per child (64,075 UAH), with the remainder distributed in equal monthly payments of 5,695 UAH over 36 months.

“For each first and subsequent child, the benefit will be set at an amount equal to 105 times the subsistence minimum per child, with an immediate payment of 25 times the minimum and the remainder spread over the next 36 months in equal installments. For example, as of today, this would be 2,563 UAH x 105 = 269,115 UAH,” the bill’s explanatory note states.

Currently, parents receive a one-time payment of 41,280 UAH, which has not been adjusted since 2014, and a monthly payment of 860 UAH. If adopted, the law will take effect the day after its publication, but no earlier than January 1 of the year following its enactment.

Alyona Duka

Tags: Ukraine