What changed
2026-10-11 13:49 UTC → 2026-10-25 13:41 UTC ·
added
removed
In late Throughout September 2026, the Czech Republic and Slovakia continued advancing advanced various legislative and regional measures regarding child welfare and social support. welfare measures. In the Czech Republic, the Chamber of Deputies prepared to debate expanding the criminal offense of penalties for non-payment of child support and introducing a ‘child certificate’ to bar offenders from working with children. Debates regarding child support penalties have these sanctions intensified; while some advocates argue suggest criminal sanctions penalties could serve act as a deterrent, critics contend that argue imprisonment is ineffective and suggest propose alternatives like house arrest, noting that current civil enforcement through bailiffs is often unsuccessful. New social welfare expansions financial supports were announced introduced for both nations. In the families. The Czech Republic, benefits Republic launched a monthly allowance of 7,467 CZK for approximately 2.5 million informal caregivers are scheduled to expand student parents in 2027, including adjustments to pension calculations higher education or vocational programs to count care periods toward retirement eligibility. cover childcare costs. Additionally, new legislation aims to will provide tax relief for working students up to age 26, 26 starting in January 2027, offering a monthly reduction of up to 335 CZK CZK. Under Law No. 180/2026 Sb., Czech parents will also be able to claim a tax deduction for preschool fees starting in January 2027. 2027, capped at 24,900 CZK per child. In Slovakia, the National Council approved a law to increase minimum child support from 30 percent to 100 percent of the subsistence minimum, effective January 1, 2027. Minister of Labour Erik Tomáš announced social reforms beginning in January. These include including increasing the childbirth allowance (kočíkovné) to 1,000 euros for the first four children and providing income tax exemptions for single parents with four or more children. Preliminary calculations for 2027 also suggest parental allowances may also increase in 2027 based on living minimum adjustments, with monthly rates potentially reaching 519.60 euros for former maternity benefit recipients, plus a 25 percent increase for each additional child in multiple births. adjustments. Regional changes in the Czech Republic initiatives include the Pardubice Region’s transition to family-style care and new rules in South Bohemia for financial gifts to children with disabilities and those in foster care.