Maternity benefits in 2026 for those not in employment: how much will expectant mothers receive?
How much will maternity benefits be in 2026?
Based on the standard duration of maternity leave of 126 calendar days, an expectant mother can receive almost 29,400 UAH.
By way of comparison, in 2025, women not in employment received just 757 UAH per month — 25 per cent of the minimum subsistence level.
Who is entitled to the benefit
All women are entitled to maternity benefits, but the amount of the benefit depends on their status.
Unemployed women who are not insured under the social insurance scheme receive state benefits under the new rules.
For women registered with the employment centre, the amount of the benefit is determined on the basis of unemployment benefit.
Female military personnel receive 100 per cent of their pay.
Women made redundant due to the closure of their employer’s business are paid 100 per cent of their average monthly income.
Female students, postgraduate students and doctoral students are granted benefits equivalent to their scholarships.
How long does maternity leave last?
The duration of the leave depends on the circumstances of the pregnancy.
For the birth of a single child, it is 126 calendar days — 70 days before the birth and 56 days after.
In the case of a multiple pregnancy, the leave lasts 140 days.
For women affected by the Chernobyl disaster, 180 calendar days are provided.
What documents are required
From 2026, the Pension Fund of Ukraine will be responsible for awarding the benefit.
To apply for the benefit, you must submit:
— an application;
— proof of identity;
— your tax identification number (if available);
— a medical certificate or sick note relating to pregnancy and childbirth;
— an OK-5 certificate;
— your bank account details.
If the woman is registered with an employment centre, a relevant certificate will also be required.
What other payments are available after the birth of a child
After the birth of a child, the family is eligible for a one-off state benefit of 50,000 UAH.
In addition, within 30 days of the birth, you can apply for the ‘Baby Package’ — either in kind or as a cash payment.
What has changed in 2026
The main change was a significant increase in benefits for women who are not in employment and the transfer of powers to award such payments from social protection authorities to the Pension Fund of Ukraine.
Follow us on Telegram
