Law passes in Russian State Duma, raising financial aid for student mothers
Starting September 1, 2025, pregnant student mothers in Russia will receive a significant increase in their pregnancy benefits, as the State Duma has approved a law amending the law "On State Benefits for Citizens with Children". The new law, which is aimed at addressing Russia's declining birth rate, will see the benefits calculated based on the regional minimum wage, with the average nationwide size of the benefit expected to be 90,200 rubles.
Currently, students receive pregnancy benefits as the sum of their stipends for 140 days of sick leave. However, under the new law, the amount will be calculated based on the regional minimum wage, offering a more consistent financial support across various regions.
Despite the change in calculation method, the new benefits will not be indexed to the regional minimum wage. Regions such as Oryol, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kemerovo, and Saratov have already pledged to offer one-time payments of at least 100,000 rubles to support young mothers, including school-age girls. This amount is not explicitly linked to the regional minimum wage but forms part of a broader strategy to boost the country's declining birth rate.
In the Bryansk Region, for instance, families with multiple children receive an additional one-time allowance of 10,000 to 20,000 rubles, alongside a regional maternity capital of 200,000 rubles. The eligibility criteria for these benefits remain unchanged.
Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, expressed hope in May 2025 that the proposed increase in pregnancy benefits for student women would be a "good help" for families where the mother combines education with childbirth and upbringing. However, there is currently no information indicating that these benefits will be adjusted based on the regional minimum wage.
It is worth noting that the current benefits range from 9,300 to 23,300 rubles for the entire period of maternity leave under current rules. The new law does not specify any changes to the duration of pregnancy benefits.
In conclusion, the new law aims to provide a fixed financial incentive to support young mothers across various regions, with the primary goal of encouraging higher birth rates to address Russia's demographic challenges. The benefits will be calculated based on the regional minimum wage, offering a more consistent financial support to student mothers nationwide.
Student mothers in Russia, particularly those pursuing education and self-development, can anticipate receiving enhanced financial support starting September 1, 2025, as the benefits will be calculated based on the regional minimum wage. Regions such as Oryol, Bryansk, Vladimir, Kemerovo, and Saratov have pledged to offer one-time payments of at least 100,000 rubles to bolster this financial aid, which is not exclusively linked to the regional minimum wage.
