Czech government approves parental benefit increase to 400,000 crowns

The coalition government of the Czech Republic (parties ANO, SPD and Motoristé) approved a amendment to the state social support scheme that will raise the standard parental allowance from 350,000 to 400,000 Czech crowns for children born on or after 1 January next year. For twins and multiple births the entitlement will rise from 700,000 to 800,000 crowns.

The ministry of labour estimates the additional cost at about 230 million crowns in the first year, climbing to roughly 3.6 billion crowns annually by 2030 once fully implemented. If the increase were also applied to families already receiving the benefit, the cost could reach 7.3 billion crowns in the first year. The change is intended to mitigate inflation effects and improve conditions for families, with the government also planning more flexible payout options. The amendment now moves to the lower house of parliament for final approval. Births in the Czech Republic have been falling, with 77,600 recorded last year – the lowest number since 1806.