Lithuania proposes social security package for families

The Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labour (SADM) has introduced a comprehensive social security package aimed at strengthening family and child welfare. The proposed measures, which could increase public spending by nearly 800 million euros, include a 110 million euro childcare and employment basket to compensate for childcare services, camps, and extended groups for children up to 12 years old. Additionally, a targeted annual compensation of approximately 385 euros is proposed for families to cover child-related needs like school supplies.

To improve long-term stability, the package suggests insuring pension social insurance up to the average monthly wage rather than the minimum wage for those during childcare periods. The Ministry also plans to reform the housing support system to prioritize the most vulnerable families and establish minimum quality standards for social housing.

Further legislative proposals include universal free meals for all primary school students, starting with third graders in autumn 2027 and fourth graders in autumn 2028. Separately, the Ministry announced that applications for financial housing incentives for young families in regional areas will open on September 14, with approximately 6 million euros allocated for these subsidies.