Novi Marof proposes increased newborn benefits as pronatalist measure

The city of Novi Marof has opened public consultations regarding new draft decisions to restructure its social welfare system and significantly increase newborn financial benefits. A key component of the proposal is the separation of newborn benefits from general social welfare decisions, reclassifying them as a distinct demographic and pronatalist measure intended to support families and encourage birth rates rather than providing aid for social need.

The proposed increases are substantial. Current benefits range from 150 euros for the first child to 750 euros for the fifth and subsequent children. Under the new proposal, payments would scale from 500 euros for the first child up to 2,500 euros for the seventh and every subsequent child.

Mayor Siniša Jenkač stated that the goal of separating these payments is to emphasize their purpose as concrete support for families to create a positive demographic environment. The draft also outlines digital application processes, rights for adoptive parents, and specific provisions for parents of children born abroad or in sensitive life situations.