Benefit on Childbirth to be Doubled in Belarus

Chairman of the Standing Committee, which is co-chair of the «Belarusian Union of Women,» also informed about the intention of the authorities to help large families to solve the housing problem. The authorities are planned to support the need to repay concessional loans for housing. For example, the state will help families with three minor children to pay up to 75% of loan; with four or more children — up to 100%, BelTA informs.
 
Antonina Morova also reported about the possibility of extending prenatal leave. The authorities plan to increase it by two weeks and provide it with 28 weeks of pregnancy. A decision on this issue can be taken later this year.

Meanwhile, the expert noted that a slowdown in births is registered at present in Belarus. However, according to Antonia Morova, it’s happening due to objective reasons — reducing the number of women of childbearing age (15-49 years).

«The highest proportion of women of childbearing age was registered in the years 2005-2009, and we tried to do our utmost to increase fertility. We managed to use demographic chance. Now, for objective reasons, a fertility decline is observed, but this should be treated calmly,» said Antonina Morova.

As Telegraf previously reported, the size of state benefits for families with children has increased by 4.9% since February 1 in connection with a corresponding increase in the minimum subsistence budget. Monthly allowance for child under 3 years old was Br296.8 thousand, above 3 years — Br89.6 thousand. Lump-sum benefits in connection with the birth of the first child have risen up to Br1.4 million; with the birth of the second and subsequent children — nearly Br2.1 million. If the woman is registered in the state Health Organization up to 12 weeks of gestation, she will get a lump sum of Br296.8 thousand.