Next year, payments tied to raising and caring for children are set to rise. This was announced by Lyudmila Ivanova-Shvets, an associate professor in the Department of Human Resource Management at the Russian University of Economics named after G. V. Plekhanov, in reporting for RIA News. The news underscores a broader push to increase social support for families with children, a topic that has drawn attention from policymakers and economists alike across Russia.
At present, a mother caring for a child under 1.5 years old receives 33,282 rubles. The projection for the upcoming year shows an increase to 49,123 rubles, with a further rise anticipated in 2025 to 68,996 rubles. These changes reflect a deliberate step to strengthen early childhood support and to ease the financial burden on families during the crucial early years of a child’s development. The adjustments align with ongoing discussions about how best to balance work and family responsibilities, particularly for parents returning to the workforce after childbirth.
Additionally, the social assistance programs are designed to remain accessible even if a parent resumes work. The maternity capital program will also be adjusted: the amount for the first child will be set at 44,000 rubles, the second child at 58,000 rubles, and the maximum maternity benefits will see an increase as well. These changes are part of a broader effort to provide stability for families navigating child-rearing while pursuing economic opportunities.
Starting January 1, 2024, the minimum wage was raised by 18.5 percent, reaching 19,242 rubles. This adjustment is presented as a step toward improving living standards and ensuring a more robust baseline for households amid evolving economic conditions. The policy shift reflects a combination of inflation considerations and a strategic aim to support low- and middle-income workers.
In 2024, forecasts indicated that all social payments would rise by 7.5 percent. This anticipated growth would touch every aspect of social support, including maternity capital, benefits for families with children, large families, and various payments directed at low-income segments of society. The expectation of a uniform upward adjustment signals a comprehensive approach to social policy, aiming to distribute economic gains more broadly among families who rely on these programs for essential needs.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized that the government would also allocate more than 17 billion rubles to assist large families with mortgage payments. This earmarked funding is intended to ease the financial pressures associated with home ownership for families with multiple children, contributing to housing security and long-term family stability.
The overall trajectory of these measures highlights a renewed emphasis on family welfare and social protection. By increasing base payments, indexing capital programs, and supporting families with housing costs, the policy framework aims to create a more predictable and supportive environment for parents. While family policy details continue to evolve, the underlying goal remains clear: reduce economic barriers for families and give children a more secure start in life.
For residents considering how such programs translate into real-world benefits, these changes may influence decisions about work, child care, and long-term financial planning. The policy landscape offers a framework in which families can anticipate improved support across several channels, from monthly allowances to capital subsidies and housing assistance. The ongoing discussion around social payments and family benefits reflects a broader public policy objective: to strengthen the social safety net in a way that benefits families from diverse circumstances and economic backgrounds.
What opportunities do these shifts create for caregivers and households? They expand the array of financial tools available to families facing the costs of raising children. By indexing benefits and expanding capital programs, the government aims to reduce the pinch of child-rearing expenses and to provide parents with greater flexibility as they navigate work and caregiving responsibilities. In short, the measures are designed to offer more stable and predictable support during the early and formative years of a child’s life.