Increases in basic social security and some child benefits as of 1 January 2020
TItle of the English-language press release was corrected on 4 Dec 2019 at 14:40. The increase in child benefits applies to all families with four or more children as well as all single parents.
The Government will implement a general increase in basic social security benefits as of 1 January 2020. This means an increase in the minimum rehabilitation allowance, sickness allowance, parenthood allowance, basic unemployment allowance, and labour market support. The amount of the increase is EUR 20 per month.
The increase in the basic unemployment allowance will also raise the levels of earnings-related allowance and job alternation compensation. In addition to the general increase, these benefits tied to the National Pension Index will be subject to an index adjustment of 1.0%.
Child benefits for families with multiple children will be raised by EUR 10 per month for the fourth and each additional child. The single parent increment linked to child benefits will rise by EUR 10 per month. The change will be implemented in such a way that families dependent on social assistance will also benefit from it. For this reason, the basic amount of single parents' social assistance will be increased.
The child maintenance allowance will be raised by EUR 7 per month. In addition to the general increase, the child maintenance allowance is subject to an index adjustment.
The objective of the increases in basic social security is to reduce inequality and the number of households dependent on social assistance.
The Government submitted the relevant acts for approval and the President of the Republic approved the bill on Wednesday, 4 December. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2020.
Inquiries
Eva Ojala, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 163 201, [email protected]