Voronezh Region Tightens Rules for Unified Child Benefit

The rules for receiving the unified child benefit have been tightened in Voronezh Region, as across the country, effective from 2026. The regional branch of the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) issued the warning.

Last year, to qualify for the unified benefit, the minimum annual income for each able-bodied family member had to be no less than four minimum wages. Starting this year, the income must be no less than eight minimum wages.

Given that the current minimum wage in Voronezh Region is 27,093 rubles (approx. $280 at current rates), families can now only claim the benefit if each able-bodied member«s annual income is at least 216,744 rubles (approx. $2,300).

At the same time, the list of valid reasons for having no income has been expanded for the new year. These now include receiving an old-age, survivor«s, or disability pension for 10 or more months. If these conditions are met, the eight minimum wage rule does not apply.