Types of state aid provided to families at the birth of a child

The current legislation of Ukraine provides for several types of state assistance to families upon the birth of a child.

According to the Law of Ukraine "On State Assistance to Families with Children", the following types of state assistance are granted:

• assistance in connection with pregnancy and childbirth;
• assistance at the birth of a child;
• childcare assistance until the child reaches the age of three.

The maternity benefit is paid for the entire period of maternity leave, which lasts 70 calendar days before childbirth and 56 calendar days after childbirth (70 days in case of complicated childbirth or the birth of two or more children). Women classified as 1—4 categories of persons affected by the Chernobyl disaster are paid maternity benefits for 180 calendar days of the said leave (90 - before childbirth and 90 - after childbirth). The amount of this benefit is calculated in total and is provided in full regardless of the number of days of leave actually used before childbirth.

Maternity benefits for unemployed women are provided in the amount of 25% of the subsistence minimum for an able-bodied person per month. If the leave period is 126 days (70 + 56).

Employees are entitled to maternity benefits of 100% of their average salary.

Both employed and unemployed persons receive state assistance at the birth of a child.

Since 2008, childbirth assistance has been provided in the amount of UAH 12,240 for the first child, UAH 25,000 for the second child, and UAH 50,000 for the third and subsequent children.

The benefit is paid as a one-time payment at the birth of the first child in the amount of UAH 4,800, the second child - UAH 4,840, the third and subsequent child - UAH 5,000, the rest for the first child is paid over the next 12 months, for the second child - 24 months, for the third and subsequent child - 36 months in equal installments in accordance with the procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine

On November 17, 2009, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine amended the Law of Ukraine "On State Assistance to Families with Children" and starting from January 1, 2011, the childbirth allowance will be calculated in the amount of the subsistence minimum for children under six years of age established on the child's birthday.

Childbirth assistance will be provided in the amount of a multiple of 22 times the subsistence minimum for the first child; a multiple of 45 times the subsistence minimum for the second child; a multiple of 90 times the subsistence minimum for the third and each subsequent child.

The allowance will be paid as a lump sum of nine times the subsistence minimum at birth, with the remaining amount of the allowance for the first child being paid over the next 12 months, for the second child - 24 months, for the third and each subsequent child - 36 months in equal installments in accordance with the procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

According to the Law of Ukraine "On State Assistance to Families with Children", one of the child's parents, adoptive parent, guardian, grandparent or other relative who actually cares for the child is entitled to receive childcare allowance until the child reaches the age of three.

The allowance is paid in the amount equal to the difference between: from January 1, 2008 - 50 percent, from January 1, 2009 - 75 percent, from January 1, 2010 - 100 percent of the subsistence minimum established for able-bodied persons and the average monthly total family income per person for the previous six months, but not less than UAH 130.

In order to receive the above payments, you must apply to the Department of Labor and Social Protection at your place of residence.