Filenews 12 December 2024
The Minister of Labour expressed his satisfaction with the adoption of the bills in relation to the increase of the Childbirth Grant and the extension of Parental Leave, which is included in the Policy Framework for Demographic Recovery. In a written statement, Yiannis Panayiotou notes that the Parliament's decision marks the beginning of the implementation of the second package of measures for the country's demographic recovery, announced in November by the President of the Republic.
The increase in the Childbirth Grant provides for a staggered increase in the amount of financial benefit depending on the number of children:
- The childbirth grant of €628,92 is increased gradually, with retroactive effect from October 1, 2024, as follows:
- €1000 for the first child,
- €1500 for the second child,
- €2000 for the third child
- and €2500 for the fourth and each subsequent child.
Through the increase of the allowance, 8000 families will benefit annually and the annual financial expenditure increases by €6.4 million.
The extension of Parental Leave provides for an increase in the age limit for children, an increase in the number of beneficiaries and an escalation of the duration depending on the number of children:
- The age limit for each child to be entitled to take parental leave is increased from the age of 8 to the age of 15, with immediate effect.
- The number of eligible parents is increased from 80000 to 148000, with immediate effect.
- The duration of the 8 weeks of parental leave is increased in stages, with effect from March 2025 and is as follows:
- 10 weeks for the second
- 12 weeks the third
- 14 weeks the fourth and each subsequent child
- The age limit for children with disabilities is raised from 18 to 21.
Through the extension of parental leave, an additional 68,000 parents will benefit and the annual expenditure increases by €11.5 million.
In addition, it is recalled that in the context of the government's policy to support working parents and reconcile family and professional life, the following have already been implemented during the first year of government:
- The duration of Maternity Leave has been increased by four weeks, with effect from March 2024, benefiting 5000 mothers per year.
- Extension of beneficiaries of Parental Leave, with effect from May 2024, benefiting more than 10 000 self-employed parents per year."
