Croatia's Grandparent Care Allowance Rolls Out in New Municipalities

Croatia has introduced a financial allowance for grandparents who care for pre‑school grandchildren, paying between €100 and €360 per child per month. The scheme, known locally as the “Baka‑djed servis”, was first launched by the city of Samobor in April 2022 and now operates in several other municipalities, including Sveta Nedelja, Križevci, Bizovac, Sveti Petar u Šumi, Ploče and Nova Rača.

In Samobor, 49 grandparents are receiving the benefit, 16 of them grandfathers, and the monthly payment of €360 is intended to offset private daycare costs and support working parents. Authorities say the programme will be continuously monitored, with no increase planned for 2023, but adjustments may be made based on local needs. Social pedagogy expert Sanja Pahel highlighted that while grandparents provide valuable support, primary childcare responsibility should remain with parents.