New monthly child benefit payment rules take effect in Volgograd
In the Volgograd region, as well as across Russia, the minimum income level for all able-bodied family members wishing to receive monthly benefits for the birth and upbringing of a child has been doubled. Now each of them must earn at least over 216,000 rubles (approximately $2,200 at current rates) during the calculation period or have valid reasons for the absence of such income.
Recall that before the New Year, in Russia, when assigning monthly benefits for the birth and upbringing of children, the «rule of four minimum wages» was in effect — each able-bodied family member had to have an income of at least four minimum wages over the 12-month calculation period.
As reported by the press service of the Branch of the Pension and Social Insurance Fund for the Volgograd Region, from January 1, 2026, the income of the applicant and able-bodied members of their family for the 12-month calculation period has doubled and must be at least 216,744 rubles (approximately $2,200 at current rates) each. At the same time, the minimum wage is determined on the date of application for the benefit, and currently amounts to 27,093 rubles (approximately $271 at current rates). Temporary disability benefits will now also be counted as income.
Valid reasons for income below 8 minimum wages are few — these are periods of assigned old-age pension, survivor«s pension, or disability pension.
When assigning the unified benefit, the Branch of the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) for the Volgograd Region will exclude from family income:
the monthly payment to those who, as of August 6, 2024, lived in those territories of the Kursk region where a counter-terrorist operation regime, a federal-level emergency situation regime have been introduced, and where a decision has been made to resettle residents due to the loss of essential property;
one-time financial assistance provided by employers in connection with the birth, adoption, or establishment of guardianship over an infant, in the amount of income not subject to taxation.
Questions can be asked by calling the unified contact center: 8-800-100-00-01 (operating hours of the regional SFR branch line: Monday — Thursday: from 08:00 to 17:00, Friday: from 08:00 to 16:00, call is free).
