Parental benefits extended

Saeima on Nov. 6 approved extending the period during which parental benefits are paid to newborn babies’ parents to one-and-a-half years, starting from Oct. 1, 2014, reports LETA.

The relevant amendments to Latvia’s Law on Maternity and Sickness Insurance were supported by 88 Saeima members, while one MP member voted against. Amendments to the Law on State Social Allowances were passed unanimously.

According to the amendments, recipients of parental benefits will have the opportunity to receive either 43.75 percent of the recipient’s monthly gross salary in parental benefits until the child is one-and-a-half years old, or 60 percent of the salary until the child is one year old.

Also, the monthly childcare benefit will be raised from 100 lats (142.8 euros) to 120 lats from Jan. 1 next year. This benefit will be paid to all parents regardless of their employment status.