Demographic Council Supports Monthly Supplement to Old-Age Pension for Childcare Periods

The Demographic Affairs Council gave conceptual support on July 3, 2026, to introducing a monthly state social benefit that would supplement old-age pensions for each month spent caring for a child. Egils Zariņš, a representative of the Ministry of Welfare, confirmed this to Apollo.lv.

The council agreed on further steps to improve the demographic situation. Funds freed up from expenditure reviews will be prioritized for funding several demographic policy measures. These include strengthening material support for families by reviewing the family state benefit, and finding ways to individually compensate insurance periods from 1991 to 1995.

The council also conceptually supported expanding services for families, including psychotherapy, the 'Child's House' support service for child victims of violence, and support for a family assistant service. Another measure is granting a subsidy to families with an active 'Altum' home guarantee to repay the principal of a housing loan upon the birth of a child.

Additionally, the council backed progress on parental benefit reform. The Ministry of Welfare is tasked with drafting and submitting necessary legislative amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 1, 2027. Meanwhile, the Ministries of Justice, Education and Science, and Culture will continue working on proposals to expand services in preparation for the 2028 budget.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) emphasized that demographic issues are a government priority, but cannot be solved with a single measure—a long-term, targeted policy is needed. The next council meeting is scheduled for October, where outstanding issues and proposals from non-governmental organizations will be discussed.