Maternity Capital: What Is It and What Do You Do with It?..

Back in 2007, Russia introduced a measure of state support for families of Russian citizens upon the birth or adoption of a child, which was called maternity capital.

At the time, it was granted upon the birth of a second child, and the amount was 250 thousand rubles.

This amount was indexed every year. Changes to the amount of maternity capital can be seen here.

There was a time when this amount was not indexed for several years in a row.

But as of this year, it amounts to 833 024,74 rubles. The amount varies depending on the payment:

• 630 380, 78 rubles for families with one child born or adopted since 2020 + 202 643, 96 rubles if a second child joins the family;
• 630 380, 78 rubles for families with two children born or adopted between 2007 and 2019, as well as with three or more children if these families had not previously become eligible for maternity capital;
• 833 024, 74 rubles for families in which a child arrived since 2020, as well as for a third or subsequent child, if the family has not previously used it.

All migrants have one question: can they claim payments after obtaining Russian citizenship?

Until January 1, 2024, they had this right, but from this year the law established that maternity capital can be received by Russian citizens.

More precisely, the child must acquire Russian citizenship by birth, and the mother must be a citizen at the time the child is born.

The mother specifically, because the father may claim the payment only if the mother has been deprived of parental rights or has died.

The procedure for obtaining the certificate has now been simplified—it is issued automatically within 5 days after the child is registered with the civil registry office. In the past, you had to trudge to the Pension Fund and stand in a long queue!

If you cannot claim maternity capital now, there is no need to be upset: after obtaining Russian citizenship, you can receive a payment for newborn children regardless of how many children you already have.

What can maternity capital be spent on?

Maternity capital can be used only for purposes specified by law. These include improving housing conditions, a child's education, building the mother's funded pension, paying for goods and services for a child with a disability, and receiving a monthly payment for children under 3 years of age.

Moreover, when it comes to improving housing conditions, it can be used both to purchase a finished home and to build one.

However, until the child turns 3, the certificate can be used to repay a mortgage or as a down payment; after the child turns three, it can also be paid directly to the property seller.

Also note that before the child turns three, you can apply for a monthly payment if the family's total income is less than twice the regional subsistence minimum. After the child turns 3, this will no longer be possible.

Using maternity capital for purposes not established by law is punishable under criminal law by up to 10 years' imprisonment.

Until what year is maternity capital available?

The program has been extended until December 31, 2026. Parents whose child is born or adopted by that date will receive the payment. It can also be used after that date. The maternity capital certificate has no expiration date.

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