Russia: changes to rules governing child benefit
Russia’s Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishustin, orders a change to the rules governing payment of the Unified Child Benefit
13.03.2026
Article published on the ASI website
The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation has demanded an immediate adjustment to existing regulations that will allow families to retain the Unified Child Benefit, even if they exceed income criteria.
Mishustin announced his decision at an extended session of the Ministry for Labour and Social Protection held on 13 March.
The entitlement to benefits where income exceeds established thresholds has been in place since January this year. It is now necessary to bring legislation in line with this amendment so that families can take advantage of the opportunity to retain their benefit.
This relates to the law that preserves the right of families with multiple children to receive benefits, even if their income exceeds the subsistence minimum, but by no more than ten percent. The legislation comes into force on 1 July, however, its provisions have applied to families since 1 January this year.
It is envisaged that families will receive payments due to them automatically, without the need to apply.
“I am asking the Ministry for Labour and Social Protection to take special responsibility for overseeing this process,” Mishustin emphasised.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to secure the smooth provision of family payments, and to ensure that citizens don’t encounter any problems when completing the necessary paperwork.
During the meeting, Mishustin also recognised the importance of continuing to work to improve the system of State support for citizens and families.
