Russian lawmakers overhaul benefits for student mothers, tying payments to subsistence minimums

On Tuesday, Russia’s State Duma voted to pass legislation raising maternity and childbirth benefits for women studying at universities, continuing professional education organizations, and research institutions. If adopted by the Federation Council and signed by President Putin, the law would set payments at the subsistence minimum level for the region where students live.

Currently, maternity benefits for students are calculated based on scholarship amounts and range from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles per month or 10,000 to 23,000 rubles for the entire 140-day maternity leave — a maximum amount of roughly $300. Under the new legislation, the average benefit would rise to 90,202 rubles ($1,150) for the entire period.

Commenting on the legislation, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said it was a necessary measure to encourage larger families in Russia. “The preservation of our people depends on this. It’s the foundation for the development of the state, for a strong Russia,” he explained.

Given the disparities in the subsistence minimum across regions in Russia, new maternity and childbirth benefits will vary dramatically depending on where a mother lives, ranging from 74,000 rubles ($945) in the Lipetsk and Tambov regions to 235,000 rubles ($3,000) in the Chukotka Autonomous District.