The Cost of Raising a Child in Russia and Available Government Support

Raising a child in Russia can cost between 390,000 and 630,000 rubles in the first year alone, according to estimates from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. These costs can be offset by various government benefits and payments available to families.

The minimum estimated cost of 390,000 rubles could be even lower if the child is breastfed and if parents can reuse or receive hand-me-down items like cribs, strollers, and car seats. Conversely, the maximum estimated cost of 630,000 rubles can increase based on the family’s lifestyle and needs.

The Russian government offers several financial aid programs to support families with children, including:

Maternity Benefit: This benefit is paid to women on maternity leave for 140, 156, or 194 days, depending on the circumstances of the birth. The amount is 100% of the woman’s average earnings, with a minimum of 103,285 rubles and a maximum of 794,355 rubles.
One-Time Payment at the Birth of a Child: This is a lump-sum payment of 26,941.71 rubles per child. In the case of multiple births, the payment is assigned to each child.
Monthly Child Care Allowance up to 1.5 Years: This allowance is 40% of the average earnings from the two years preceding maternity leave, with a minimum of 10,103.83 rubles and a maximum of 68,995.48 rubles per month. The payment is granted to the person caring for the child, such as a parent or guardian.
Maternity Capital: For the first child, families receive 690,266.95 rubles. Upon the birth of a second child, they receive an additional 221,895.1 rubles. If the family did not receive maternity capital for the first child, they will receive 912,162.09 rubles for the second child. This capital can be used for housing, education, or other purposes, or families can apply for a monthly payment if their average per capita income is below two regional subsistence minimums.
Unified Monthly Allowance for Children Under 17 Years of Age: This allowance provides 50, 75, or 100% of the regional subsistence minimum for children, depending on the family’s financial need. This program consolidates previous payments for children of various age groups.
Regional Payments: In addition to federal benefits, regions offer their own support programs, including payments, gifts, and essential items for newborns.