Pensions, benefits, subsidies. What has changed in Belarus since February 1
Starting from February 1, the amounts of the budget of the subsistence minimum (BSM) in Belarus will increase. This was reported by BELTA from the press service of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
From February 1 to April 30, 2026, new amounts of the budget of the subsistence minimum will be in effect in Belarus, on average per capita and for the main socio-demographic groups.
The BSM for the average per capita is set at Br496.96. This is 1.2% higher compared to the norm that was in effect from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
The BSM for the working-age population is Br534.91, for pensioners - Br360.75, for children under 3 years - Br308.10, for children from 3 to 6 years - Br414.55, and for children from 6 to 18 years - Br489.90.
This is the first recalculation of the BSM in 2026.
Starting from February 1, all types of labor pensions will increase: for age, for length of service, for disability, and in case of loss of breadwinner
As a result of the recalculation, the average labor pension will increase by 10%. Thus, according to preliminary estimates, the average pension for age will be Br1070.
"The annual increase in February 2026 compared to February 2025 will be Br138, or 14.8%. The amount of increase in labor pension for each pensioner will vary depending on the length of service and the amount of earnings considered in calculating their pension, as well as established supplements to the main pension," the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection explained, emphasizing that pensions will be recalculated for both non-working and working pensioners.
The amounts of benefits for childcare for children under 3 years have increased
Thus, from February 1 to July 31, 2026, the amounts of benefits for childcare for children under 3 years are: for the first child - Br1000.86 (an increase of Br68.95), for the second and subsequent children - Br1143.84 (an increase of Br78.80), for a disabled child - Br1286.82 (an increase of Br88.65).
The Ministry of Labor noted that the amounts of benefits have increased by 7.4%, and also added that the childcare benefit for children under 3 years is recalculated twice a year: on February 1 and August 1.
"Age" supplements to pensions have increased
The amount of these payments has increased by 1.2% and is now Br93.18 for people aged 75-79 years. For those with a 1st group disability - Br217.42. For people aged 80 and older (including the care allowance) - Br186.36. For those with a 1st group disability - Br248.48.
"Age" supplements to pensions are received by almost 560 thousand people aged 75 and older. The expenses for "age" supplements in 2026 are estimated at Br980 million.
When caring for one non-working person, the amount of the benefit is 100% of the budget of the subsistence minimum (BSM), which as of February 1 is Br496.96. If care is provided for two or more non-working individuals, the benefit will be 120% of the BSM, or Br596.35.
The Ministry of Labor reminded that to apply for the benefit, one must contact the "one-stop" service of the local authority or the labor, employment, and social protection department at the place of residence of the person needing care.
It was also noted that in this case, it is possible to combine work with receiving the benefit. This applies to parents, children, spouses, and guardians (caretakers) of disabled persons of group I or individuals over 80 years old, if they work under an employment contract on a part-time basis (not more than half of the normal working hours) or are registered as individual entrepreneurs, while not engaging in activities due to cessation of activities or suspension of their activities.
To apply, one needs to submit an application, an identity document, the applicant's work book, a medical certificate of the applicant's health status confirming the absence of psychiatric and narcological records, and a conclusion from the medical advisory commission regarding the need for constant care.
The care benefit is granted from the date of application submission.
State subsidies for organizing one's own business have increased to almost Br10 thousand.
In cities, a subsidy of 11 budgets of the subsistence minimum is provided, which amounts to Br5466.56. In small towns, areas with high labor market tension, and rural settlements, the amount has increased to 15 budgets of the subsistence minimum - Br7454.4. The maximum amount of 20 budgets of the subsistence minimum, or Br9939.2, is allocated to the unemployed for entrepreneurial activities using the results of scientific research and development.
To receive the subsidy, one must be registered as unemployed with the employment service, be at least 18 years old, submit an application, and present a business plan. Specialists from the service can assist in its development.
Fees for artisans and in the agroecotourism sector will increase
The fee rate for engaging in artisanal activities is set at Br10 per month starting from February 1, 2026. The new rate applies when paying the fee for February and subsequent calendar months of 2026. The fee for January 2026 is paid at the rate of Br7, which was in effect in 2025.
The fee rate for providing services in the agroecotourism sector is set at Br45 for each agroecological estate per month. The new rate applies when paying the fee for February and subsequent calendar months of 2026. The fee for January 2026 is paid at the rate of Br42 for each agroecological estate, which was in effect in 2025.
When a local executive and administrative body makes a decision to apply the fee in 2026, payment is made by the end of the month in which such a decision is made. For subsequent tax periods - no later than the 1st of each calendar month.
The amounts of state benefits for families raising children have increased
The one-time benefit for the birth of a child for the first child is 10 BSM, or Br4969.6, for the birth of the second and subsequent children - 14 BSM, or Br6957.44.
The one-time benefit for women registered in healthcare organizations before the 12-week pregnancy term is 100% BSM, or Br496.96.
The monthly benefit for families with children aged 3 to 18 years during the upbringing of a child under 3 years is 50% BSM, or Br248.48. In addition, the monthly benefit for children over 3 years from certain categories of families provided for by law has increased. Thus, for children over 3 years raised in such families (except for disabled children), the benefit amount is 50% BSM, or Br248.48. For a disabled child over 3 years - 70% BSM, or Br347.87.
The amount of the monthly benefit for caring for a disabled child under 18 years has also changed. For those with I and II degrees of health loss until the child turns 18 years and with III and IV degrees of health loss until the child turns 3 years, the benefit is 100% BSM, or Br496.96. With III and IV degrees of health loss after the child turns 3 years - 120% BSM, or Br596.35.
The amount of the monthly benefit for children under 18 years infected with the human immunodeficiency virus is 70% BSM, or Br347.87.
The Ministry of Labor noted that benefits calculated from the BSM cover about 153 thousand children.
In Belarus, starting from February 1, the amounts of state targeted social assistance have changed
This assistance includes four social payments. Thus, the monthly social assistance for families is provided if the average per capita income for objective reasons is below the poverty line. From February 1, its amount is Br496.96. For large families, this assistance is assigned when the average per capita income does not exceed 1.15 times the poverty line. From February 1, this is Br571.5.
Another payment is a one-time social assistance. It is paid when a person finds themselves in a difficult life situation, provided that the average per capita income does not exceed 1.5 times the poverty line. From February 1, this is Br745.44.
Social assistance for reimbursement of expenses for purchasing hygiene items is provided regardless of the family's income to children with disabilities who have IV degree of health loss and to disabled persons of group I. It is granted based on an individual rehabilitation program or a conclusion from the medical advisory commission regarding the need for hygiene items, with documents confirming the expenses for their purchase.
In addition, there is provision for food for children in the first two years of life. This is provided for families where income is below the poverty line, as well as in the case of multiple births regardless of income level.
For the birth of twins, triplets, and more children, payments are provided for each of the newborns. This is a one-time benefit for the birth of the first child (10 BSM - Br4969.6), for the second and subsequent children (14 BSM - Br6 957.44), as well as a one-time payment for each child (2 BSM - Br993.92).
Thus, for the birth of twins, if these are the first children in the family, parents will receive Br13.9 thousand, or 28 BSM. If there was already a child in the family before the birth of twins, the amount will be Br15.9 thousand, or 32 BSM.
In the case of the birth of triplets, if these are the first children in the family, the assistance to parents will be Br21.9 thousand, or 44 BSM. If there was already a child (children) in the family before the birth of triplets, the amount will be Br23.8 thousand, or 48 BSM.
The Ministry of Labor noted that these amounts are valid until April 30.
In addition, families raising two or more children born simultaneously will be provided with a nanny for caring for twins - up to 20 hours a week, for triplets - up to 40 hours a week.
More than Br4 thousand. In Belarus, starting from February 1, the amount of relocation assistance for moving to rural areas has changed
Relocation assistance in the amount of 9 BSM (from February 1 to April 30 - Br4472.64) will be provided when relocating to a new place of residence and work in rural areas. The ministry also explained who can expect this assistance. "You must be officially registered with the employment service as unemployed. Enter into a tripartite agreement with the labor, employment, and social protection authority and the employer regarding relocation due to moving to work in another area," the Ministry of Labor noted.
Currently, there are more than 27 thousand vacancies with housing provided. However, those who have benefited from the support are required to work at the new job for at least one year. By the way, in 2025, unemployed individuals and their family members received financial assistance in the amount of Br489.2 thousand.
Source:belta.by