Assistance for the birth of a child abroad: what payments are received by families in different countries

In different countries, support for families with newborns works according to different models: in some countries, it is a one-time payment, and in others, a long-term monthly allowance until the child reaches adulthood. For Ukrainians who live or plan to have a child abroad, it is important to understand what financial support they can expect in a particular country. Learn more about the benefits available to parents in the United States, Europe, and Asia

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After the birth of a child, family expenses increase immediately: medical services, care, basic necessities, and paperwork. In many countries, the state compensates for some of these costs through one-time payments at birth or regular financial support during the first years of a child's life.

The amount and conditions for receiving assistance vary significantly from country to country: in some countries, payments depend on family income, in others they are available to all parents regardless of their income, and in some countries, financial support is provided until the child reaches the age of majority. Below is a practical overview of what childbirth benefits are available in popular countries for Ukrainians to live and migrate to.

In the previous article, we described how minimum wages changed in 2026 in different EU countries.

USA

In the United States, maternity benefits are not the only fixed government payment for all families, but mothers may receive one-time financial support under certain programs. In a number of cases, the amount of a one-time childbirth benefit is about $5,000. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of assistance and the conditions for receiving it depend on the state of residence, the family's income level, and belonging to socially vulnerable categories.

In addition, the United States has programs to support low-income families with children, which may include financial assistance, preferential childcare services while parents work or study, and access to social services. Such programs are implemented at the state level and have different eligibility criteria.

A new federal initiative announced at the end of January 2025 is worth mentioning: every child born in the United States between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 will receive a $1,000 start-up investment deposit from the federal government. These funds are to be credited to a special account, which the child will be able to access upon reaching the age of 18.

United Kingdom

In the UK, families with children have the Child Benefit program, which is a regular monthly financial assistance from the state. Payments are provided to parents or guardians who are responsible for raising a child, regardless of employment, but the amount of actual benefit may depend on the family's income.

The first child is paid approximately £87 per month. The benefit is payable until the child reaches the age of 16, or 19 if the child is enrolled in an approved educational program (other than higher education).

For each subsequent child, the family receives about £58 per month. The terms of the duration of payments are similar: up to 16 years of age or up to 19 years of age if the child continues to study in an approved program.

Child Benefit is not tied to the fact that parents are employed, but for families with high incomes there is a special tax mechanism that actually reduces or eliminates the financial benefit of receiving this assistance.

France

France has a system of financial support for families with newborns that combines a one-time payment at birth with a monthly allowance. The amount of assistance depends on the family's income and the number of children.

The one-time payment at birth is 923 euros. If a child is adopted, the amount of the benefit increases to EUR 1,846. The payment is provided that the parents' annual income does not exceed 35,729 euros. If the family's income is higher than the established threshold, the right to receive this benefit may be limited or absent.

In addition to the one-time payment, France provides a monthly child benefit of EUR 184. In order to receive payments, one of the parents must apply to the state family allowance fund CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales). Payments are accrued if the family meets the criteria for income and legal residence status in the country.

Poland

Poland has several financial support programs for families with young children, which combine monthly payments and compensation for childcare costs. Some of these programs are also available to foreigners, including Ukrainian families legally residing in the country.

One of the main forms of support is a monthly payment of PLN 1,500 for two years, from the 12th to the 35th month of a child's life. This benefit is intended for parents who go to work before their child turns three.

For families raising children with disabilities, the monthly payment is PLN 1,900. The state also compensates for childcare costs: up to PLN 1,500 per month can be paid to pay for nurseries, children's clubs, or babysitting services.

In addition, Poland provides a universal monthly payment of PLN 500 per child aged 12 to 35 months. This benefit is provided regardless of the parents' income level.

Germany

In Germany, financial support for families after the birth of a child combines regular monthly payments for the child and compensation for loss of income for parents who are temporarily unable to work due to childcare.

The main form of assistance is Kindergeld (child benefit), which is paid monthly in the amount of 255 to 259 euros per child. Payments are accrued until the child reaches the age of 18 (in certain cases longer if the child continues his or her education).

In addition, parents can receive compensation for lost income during the period of childcare: from 300 to 1,800 euros per month. The amount of this payment depends on the parents' previous level of income and the duration of the parental leave.

For low-income families in Germany, there are also one-time payments for the arrangement of a newborn child, the amount of which depends on the region of residence and the social status of the family.

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Italy

In Italy, families with newborns can count on both a one-time childbirth allowance and monthly payments. The amount of financial support depends on the family's income and the social status of the parents.

The one-time payment at the birth of a child is EUR 1,000. In addition, the family receives a monthly allowance of EUR 303 for each minor child. Payments are accrued subject to meeting the criteria for family income and legal residence in the country.

Italy also provides additional forms of support for unemployed mothers, and the state partially compensates for the costs of kindergartens and childcare. The specific amounts of compensation may vary depending on the region and the financial situation of the family.

Estonia

Estonia has a multi-level system of financial support for families with children, which includes a one-time payment at the birth of a child, monthly assistance and additional payments for large families and certain categories of parents.

The one-time payment for each child born is 320 euros. In addition, the state pays a monthly allowance until the child reaches the age of 19: EUR 80 per month for the first and second child, and EUR 100 per month for the third child.

Families with 3 to 6 children receive an additional monthly payment of 450 euros. If a family has 7 or more children, the additional payment is EUR 650 per month.

Certain categories of parents are also eligible for increased support: single parents receive €80 per month, and parents on active duty receive a payment of €900 per month.

Earlier, we told you who is eligible for cash or food aid from the UN in 2026 and under what conditions it is provided.

South Korea

In South Korea, due to the record low birth rate, the state has significantly increased financial support for families with young children. The main focus is on regular monthly payments in the first years of a child's life.

Parents receive $755 per month for a child under the age of 1. For children under 2, the monthly allowance is $377. In addition, the state pays $151 per month for each child until they reach school age.

Additionally, South Korea has local childbirth support programs, the amount of which depends on the region of residence and the local government budget. In some cases, employers may also provide financial assistance at the birth of a child. For example, some companies introduce corporate programs to support fertility, under which employees can receive significant one-time payments upon the birth of a child.

Japan

Japan has a system of regular financial support for families with children, where the amount of payments depends on the age of the child and the number of children in the family. The main assistance is provided in the form of monthly payments.

Parents receive 15,000 yen per month for children under the age of 3. After reaching the age of three and up to high school age, the amount of monthly assistance is reduced to 10,000 yen per month.

For large families in Japan, increased support is provided: the state pays 30,000 yen per month for the third child and each subsequent child. The amount of payments can be adjusted depending on the family's income and the administrative rules of a particular municipality.

Moving or living abroad with a young child involves not only payments from the state, but also basic financial security for the family in unforeseen situations. Medical expenses, emergency care or treatment in another country can be much more expensive than in Ukraine, so pre-arranged health insurance from Visit Ukraine helps to avoid serious financial risks and get access to the necessary assistance without unnecessary stress!

We remind you! Despite the coldest winter in several years and constant power outages, Ukrainians are showing a restrained reaction to everyday difficulties. A new sociological survey shows how the energy situation affects migration moods, readiness to move and plans for the coming months. Read more about the results of the Gradus survey and the key factors shaping Ukrainians' decisions.

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