Breaking: Russian Pregnant Students to Receive Substantially Increased Benefits – Linked to Regional Cost of Living
Moscow, Russia – In a move poised to significantly impact student mothers across Russia, new legislation signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on July 23rd will dramatically increase pregnancy benefits for students, tying the amount to the cost of living in the region where their university is located. This is a major shift from the previous system, which based payments on scholarship levels, often resulting in minimal support. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is committed to bringing you the latest updates.
Photo: Vladimir Zhabrikov © ura.ru
From Scholarships to Cost of Living: A Game Changer for Student Mothers
Previously, pregnant students received allowances equivalent to their scholarship amount for a period of 140 days, mirroring the duration of sick leave for pregnancy and childbirth. This translated to a range of just 9,333 to 23,333 rubles. The new system, effective September 1st, replaces this with a benefit calculated based on the regional cost of living. According to Tatyana Butskaya, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Family, “The regional cost of living of pregnancy for students is taken by the one where the university where the girl studies is located.”
What Can Students Expect? Average Payments and Eligibility
The average payment is projected to be 90,202 rubles – a substantial increase compared to the previous system. This change acknowledges the financial pressures faced by student mothers, particularly in larger cities with higher living expenses. Importantly, Butskaya clarified that these benefits are exclusively for the student mother, unlike childcare benefits which can be claimed by parents and even working grandparents. This focused approach aims to directly support the student navigating pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period.
The Bigger Picture: Russia’s Pro-Family Policies and Economic Considerations
This increase in student pregnancy benefits aligns with a broader trend in Russia towards strengthening pro-family policies. In recent years, the government has introduced various measures aimed at supporting families and encouraging higher birth rates. These initiatives often include financial assistance, childcare support, and housing programs. The decision to link benefits to the cost of living also reflects an awareness of regional economic disparities within Russia. Moscow and St. Petersburg, for example, have significantly higher costs of living than many other regions, and this new system will ensure that students in these areas receive adequate support.
How This Impacts You: A Guide for Student Mothers
If you are a pregnant student in Russia, here’s what you need to know:
- Eligibility: The benefit is available to all pregnant students.
- Payment Timing: The full allowance will be paid in a lump sum after childbirth.
- Regional Variation: The amount you receive will depend on the cost of living in the region where your university is located.
- Exclusivity: The benefit is solely for the student mother; family members are not eligible.
This is a significant development for student mothers across Russia, offering much-needed financial relief during a crucial time. The shift towards a cost-of-living-based system represents a more equitable and responsive approach to supporting students facing the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood. As this new law takes effect, archyde.com will continue to monitor its implementation and provide updates on its impact.
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