New maternity benefit: what payment will women receive
19 May 19:18
The Ukrainian government plans to introduce a one-time payment of UAH 50,000 to women who have given birth as part of a new family support system. The draft law, developed by the Ministry of Social Policy, was published for public discussion on the website of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, reports
Main provisions of the bill
The bill provides for comprehensive support for families at various stages – from pregnancy to childcare after birth. Key initiatives include:
- Antenatal support. Insured women will receive 100% of their salary, while uninsured women will receive a fixed allowance of UAH 7,000.
- A one-time payment after the birth of a child. 50 thousand hryvnias, regardless of the woman’s social status or form of employment.
- Postpartum assistance. The amount will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers after the draft law is adopted.
- Childcare allowance. Payments to one of the parents, guardian or other relative who actually cares for the child; the amount of the allowance will be determined by the government.
- The “eNursery” program. Additional assistance for parents who return to work after their child reaches the age of one; the amount of payments will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
- The “Baby Package” benefit. The program remains in effect and is provided to all families upon the birth of a child.
The purpose of the initiative
The purpose of the draft law is to increase the birth rate in Ukraine and create conditions for combining parenthood with professional activity. According to the United Nations, without additional measures, Ukraine’s population could decline to 32 million by 2050. In 2024, the death rate in Ukraine was almost three times higher than the birth rate, which poses threats to demographic and economic stability.
Expected results
The introduction of the new payment system aims to:
- Increase thebirth rate: reduce the financial burden on young families when a child is born.
- Stimulate parents’ employment: help them combine child-rearing with study or work.
- Developing a network of private preschools: creating new jobs and expanding access to quality education for children.
Read also: Ukraine will change the procedure of payments for the birth of a child: how much will be paid now
Next steps
The draft law is currently under public discussion. After taking into account the suggestions and comments, the document will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. If adopted, the new family support system will come into force after the Cabinet of Ministers approves the relevant regulations.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader policy to support families with children and improve the demographic situation in the country.
It is worth noting that if the draft law is passed by the Parliament and signed by the President of Ukraine, all its provisions will come into force on January 1, 2026. This means that the types of state aid to families with children granted before this law came into force will be paid in the amounts and in the manner in force at the time of their granting until their payment is fully completed.
In addition, recipients of birth assistance or adoption assistance who gave birth or adopted a child in 2025 and receive the relevant type of state aid in the amount determined before the entry into force of this document may, before the expiration of the term of payment of the assigned aid and subject to termination of its payment, receive a one-time difference between the amount assigned (UAH 50,000) and the amount paid, subject to its
termination in accordance with the procedure established by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Women who give birth in 2025 and are already receiving maternity benefits will be able to receive additional payments. If payments are still ongoing at the time the law comes into force, they will be recalculated the amount of assistance under the new rules, taking into account the money already paid. In addition, a separate allowance will be accrued for recovery after childbirth. The government will determine the procedure for these payments.
And if the period of maternity benefits expired before this law came into force, women will be granted postpartum recovery benefits. However, its duration cannot exceed the period stipulated by the draft law.
How Ukrainians reacted to the new government initiative
On the website of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine, Ukrainians left their comments on the government’s initiative to provide prenatal and postnatal support to women.
- A one-time payment of 10320 then 860 UAH until the child reaches the age of 3. The monthly payment is scanty, given the prices of food and goods for children, these funds are not enough for anything. The subsistence level as of 2025 is UAH 3028 per person.
- As a working woman, it is difficult for me to decide to get pregnant due to the lack of money during maternity leave.
- Parents who consciously decide to have a child despite the real threats, risks to their lives and restrictions associated with the war demonstrate extraordinary courage and faith in the future of Ukraine. Such families deserve special attention and support.
- Such changes should apply to families who have decided to have children and have given birth since July 1, 2022.
- It would also be nice to raise the monthly payment to at least 1 subsistence minimum.
- The law comes into force only on January 1, 2026. This means that women who have given birth before then will continue to receive the shameful UAH 860 per month. This is unfair to families who dared to give birth during the war.
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