Belarusian children's allowance 3.5% up starting August

Following the adoption of a new subsistence wage (set at Br185,360 per capita between August 1 and October 31, 2007), children's allowance paid by the state to families with kids will increase by 3.5% this August, BelTA learnt from representatives of the central department for employment and population policy of the Belarusian Labour and Social Protection Ministry. In August 1 – October 31, 2007 the monthly childcare allowance for children under 3 will total Br120,480, for children over 3 — Br55,610. Maternity pays for the first child will increase up to Br926,800, for the second child and more children — Br1,297,520. The lump-sum allowance for expectant mothers, who get registered with a state healthcare facility within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, will make Br185,360. There is an advanced system of ten kinds of allowances paid by the government to families with kids. The child welfare system takes care of around 464,000 children under 18, 25% of the total number. The system designed to provide social support for families, mothers, fathers and children in Belarus comprises state allowances for families with children as well as social protection bonuses, preferences for families with children, tax deductions and so on.