Ādaži municipality plans major increase in birth benefit for twins and triplets

The Ādaži municipal government is planning a substantial increase in the childbirth benefit for families who have twins, triplets or more children in a single birth. The proposal was backed by councillors at Thursday's meeting of the local education, culture, sports and social affairs committee. The draft amendments relate to the council's binding regulations on municipal benefits that are paid without means-testing.

Under the new plan, a family welcoming twins would receive €2,000, or €1,000 per child. For triplets or a larger number of children born at one time, the planned payment is €1,500 per child. The existing benefit for a single birth would remain unchanged.

At present, the municipal rules provide a payment of up to €300 per child, with no difference based on how many children are born at once. The proposed changes would therefore multiply the allowance in cases of multiple births.

Ādaži mayor Gatis Miglāns said the idea came from an expectant mother who had looked at how other municipalities handle such benefits. He also said the higher payments would not put a heavy strain on the municipal budget, since twins, triplets and larger multiple births are very rare in the municipality.

For the amendments to take effect, they must still be reviewed by the Finance Committee and sent for public consultation before being considered by the municipal council.