Pensions, benefits, subsidies. What has changed in Belarus since February 1
From February 1 to April 30, 2026, new subsistence minimums per capita and by major socio-demographic groups will be in effect in Belarus
The subsistence minimum per capita is set at Br496.96. This is 1.2% higher compared to the standard in effect from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
The subsistence minimum for the working-age population is Br534.91, for pensioners - Br360.75, for children under 3 years old - Br308.10, for children aged 3 to 6 years - Br414.55, and for children aged 6 to 18 years - Br489.90.
This is the first recalculation of the subsistence minimum in 2026.
From February 1, all types of labor pensions will be increased: old-age, long-service, disability, and survivor pensions
As a result of the recalculation, the average labor pension will increase by 10%. Thus, according to preliminary estimates, the average old-age pension will be Br1070.
"The annual increase in February 2026 compared to February 2025 will be Br138, or 14.8%. The increase in the labor pension will vary for each pensioner, depending on their length of service and earnings used to calculate their pension, as well as any additional allowances
The Ministry of Labor noted that the benefit amounts have increased by 7.4%, and also added that the child care allowance for children under 3 years of age is recalculated twice a year: from February 1 and from August 1.
"Age-related" pension supplements have increased
The amount of these payments has increased by 1.2% and amounted to Br93.18 for people aged 75-79. With a Group I disability - Br217.42. For people aged 80 and over (including the care supplement) - Br186.36. With a Group I disability - Br248.48.
Almost 560,000 people aged 75 and over receive "age-related" pension supplements. Expenditures on "age-related" supplements in 2026 are estimated at Br980 million.
The allowance for caring for an elderly person over 80 years old or a person with a Group I disability has increased
When caring for one disabled person, the benefit amount was 100% of the subsistence minimum budget (SMB), which from February 1 is Br496.96. If care is provided for two or more disabled people, the benefit will be 120% of the SMB, or Br596.35.
The Ministry of Labor reminded that to receive the allowance, it is necessary to contact the "one-stop shop" service of the local authority or the department of labor, employment and social protection at the place of residence of the person in need of care.
It was also noted that in this case, it is possible to combine work with receiving benefits. This applies to parents, children, spouses, and guardians (trustees) of persons with Group I disabilities or persons over 80 years of age, if they work under an employment contract on a part-time basis (no more than half of the normal working hours) or are registered as individual entrepreneurs, while not carrying out activities due to the termination or suspension of their activities.
To apply, you need an application, an identity document, the applicant's work record book, a medical certificate of the applicant's health status confirming the absence of psychiatric and drug treatment records, and a conclusion from a medical advisory commission on the need for constant care.
The care benefit is awarded from the date of application.
State subsidies for starting a business have increased to almost Br10,000.
In cities, a subsidy of 11 living wage budgets 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 living wage budgets - Br7454.4. The maximum amount of 20 living wage budgets, or Br9939.2, is allocated to unemployed individuals for entrepreneurial activities using the results of scientific research and development.
To receive a subsidy, one must be registered as unemployed with the employment service, be at least 18 years old, submit an application, and provide a business plan. Employment service specialists can assist in its development.
Fees for artisans and in the sphere of agro-ecotourism will increase.
The fee for carrying out handicraft activities from February 1, 2026, is set at Br10 per month. The new rate applies to the payment of 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 for carrying out activities for providing services in the sphere of agroecotourism is set at Br45 per agroecotourism estate per month. The new rate applies to the payment of the fee for February and subsequent calendar months of 2026. The fee for January 2026 is paid at the rate of Br42 per agroecotourism estate, which was in effect in 2025.
When a decision on the application of the fee is made by the local executive and administrative body in 2026, payment is made by the end of the month in which such decision is made. For subsequent tax periods, payment is made no later than the 1st day of each calendar month.
State benefits for families raising children have increased
The lump-sum benefit for the birth of a child is Br4969.6 (10 BPM) for the first child, and Br6957.44 (14 BPM) for the second and subsequent children.
The lump-sum benefit for women who registered with healthcare organizations before the 12th week of pregnancy is Br496.96 (100% BPM).
The monthly benefit for families with children aged 3 to 18 during the period of raising a child under 3 years old is Br248.48 (50% BPM). In addition, the monthly benefit for children over 3 years old from certain categories of families provided for by law has increased. Thus, for children over 3 years old raised in such families (excluding disabled children), the benefit amount is Br248.48 (50% BPM). For a disabled child over 3 years old, it is Br347.87 (70% BPM).
The amount of the monthly allowance for the care of a child with a disability under 18 years of age has also changed. If the child has I and II degrees of health loss before reaching the age of 18, and III and IV degrees of health loss before reaching the age of 3, the allowance is 100% of the BSM, or Br496.96. For children with III and IV degrees of health loss after reaching the age of 3, it is 120% of the BSM, or Br596.35.
The amount of the monthly allowance for children under 18 years of age infected with the human immunodeficiency virus is 70% of the BSM, or Br347.87.
The Ministry of Labor noted that approximately 153 thousand children are covered by benefits calculated from the BSM.
State social security benefits in Belarus have changed since February 1
This assistance includes four social payments. Thus, a monthly social benefit for families is provided if the per capita income is objectively below the need criterion. Since February 1, its amount has been Br496.96. For large families, such a benefit is granted when the per capita income does not exceed 1.15 times the need criterion. Since February 1, this amount is Br571.5.
Another payment is a one-time social benefit. It is paid when a person is in a difficult life situation, provided that the per capita income does not exceed 1.5 times the need criterion. Since February 1, this amount is Br745.44.
A social benefit to compensate for the costs of purchasing hygiene products is provided regardless of the family's income level to children with disabilities with IV degree of health loss and Group I disabled persons. It is granted on the basis of an individual rehabilitation program or a medical-consulting commission's conclusion on the need for hygiene products, with documents confirming the expenses for their purchase.
In addition, provision is made for the supply of food products to children under two years of age. This is provided for families whose income is below the poverty line, as well as for the birth of twins or more children simultaneously, regardless of income level.
In Belarus, from February 1, the amount received by families for the simultaneous birth of two or more children has increased
For the birth of twins, triplets, or more children, payments are provided for each of the newborn twins. This includes a one-time benefit for the birth of the first child (10 BSM - Br4969.6), for the second and subsequent children (14 BSM - Br6957.44), as well as a one-time payment for each child (2 BSM - Br993.92).
Thus, for the birth of twins, if they 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 triplets, if they are the first children in the family, the assistance to parents will be Br21.9 thousand, or 44 BSM. If there were already 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 the amounts are valid until April 30.
In addition, families raising two or more children born simultaneously are provided with a nanny for childcare for twins - up to 20 hours per week, for triplets - up to 40 hours per week, until the children reach the age of 3 years.
Over Br4 thousand. In Belarus, from February 1, the amount of relocation assistance to rural areas has changed
Relocation allowances amounting to 9 base units (from February 1 to April 30 - Br4472.64) will be provided for relocation to a new place of residence and work in rural areas. The department also explained who can count on them. "It is necessary to be officially registered with the employment service as unemployed. A tripartite agreement must be concluded with the labor, employment, and social protection authority and the employer regarding relocation due to moving to work in another locality," the Ministry of Labor noted. Currently, there are over 27,000 such vacancies with provided housing. However, those who have received support are obliged to work at the new job for at least one year. Incidentally, unemployed individuals and their family members received financial assistance totaling Br489.2 thousand in 2025.
"BelTA"