Which payments can a father receive?
Sick leave to care for a child: only those who are generally entitled to a certificate of incapacity for work may obtain it, meaning the person must be employed. Childcare sick leave may also be issued to family members in turn within the established time limits, but not to several people simultaneously.
Maternity (family) capital. Although usually called maternity capital, the law also uses the term ‘family capital’. A father may receive it if the mother has died or been deprived of parental rights, the adoption in respect of the mother has been revoked, or the father is the sole adoptive parent. Even if the mother received the certificate, the money may be used to repay a mortgage taken out by her spouse.
One-off childbirth benefit. One parent may receive a one-off payment when a child is born. Since 1 February 2021 it is 18,886.32 rubles. Apply within 6 months of birth. If both parents work or both are unemployed, they decide who applies. If only one works, that parent receives the payment. If the parents are divorced, it is due to the parent with whom the child lives.
Monthly childcare benefit until one and a half. A father may also take childcare leave and then receive the benefit himself. Leave can be divided: for example, the mother may take the first part and the father the second.
Monthly payment until age 3: this benefit is available to families whose first or second child was born or adopted in 2018 or later. Income per family member must not exceed twice the regional subsistence minimum. The payment equals the regional subsistence minimum for a child. For the first child, the father may apply if the mother has died or been deprived of parental rights. For the second child, the Pension Fund awards the payment from maternity capital, so it goes to the person in whose name maternity capital was issued.
Monthly payment for ages 3–7. Families with children aged 3–7 whose per-capita income does not exceed the regional subsistence minimum may qualify. Income and property are also considered. Depending on family income, payment is 50%, 70% or 100% of the regional subsistence minimum for a child. A father receives it if he lives with the child and the mother has not applied to social welfare authorities.