👨‍👩‍👧 VSAA

State family benefit

The state family benefit is paid for every child from the age of one. In 2026: 25 EUR per month for one child, 100 EUR for two, 225 EUR for three, and 100 EUR per child for four or more. From 1 January 2026 it is also paid for young people aged 16–20 studying full-time at a college or university.

Service passportUpdated: 28.07.2026.
Cost
Free; benefit 25–225 EUR/month
Duration
Granted retroactively for up to 24 months
Deadline
From the child's 1st year until 16 (20)
Where
Latvija.gov.lv or VSAA in person

Who this applies to

The benefit is paid for a child from age 1 to 16, and from 16 to 20 if the young person studies at a general or vocational school or (from 2026) full-time at a college/university and is not married. A supplement of 160 EUR per month until age 18 applies for a child with a disability.

Step by step

Submit the application

The easiest way is the e-application on Latvija.gov.lv (VSAA e-services). You can also apply in person at any VSAA customer centre or unified state service centre, electronically with a secure e-signature, or by post.

School and university certificates usually aren't needed

If the child studies in Latvia, VSAA receives the data electronically from the Ministry of Education and Science. If the child studies abroad, submit a statement from the foreign educational institution.

Receive the decision

The decision is available in your e-address or on Latvija.gov.lv under “Applied services”; for in-person or postal applications — in the way specified in the application.

Payment of the benefit

The benefit is transferred to your bank account (a payment institution account in Latvia, another EU country or the UK, in euro) or a Latvijas pasts settlement account. It is granted retroactively for up to 24 months before the application date.

Common mistakes

Thinking the benefit “burns” if you don't apply at once — it is paid for the previous 24 months, but no earlier.
Not knowing the 2026 changes — the benefit is now also paid for full-time students up to age 20.
Submitting a certificate from a Latvian school or university — it is not needed, the data comes automatically.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the family benefit in 2026?

25 EUR per month for one child, 100 EUR for two, 225 EUR for three, and 100 EUR per child for four or more. A 160 EUR monthly supplement applies for a child with a disability.

Is the benefit paid for a student?

Yes, from 1 January 2026 — for a young person aged 16–20 studying full-time at a college or university and not married. Payment follows the study semesters.

Can I apply retroactively?

The benefit is granted for up to 24 previous months, counted from the application date.

How large is the childcare benefit?

From 2026 — 298 EUR per month for caring for a child up to 1.5 years (previously 171 EUR). For ages 1.5–2 — 42.69 EUR per month for children born by 2 November 2026.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 28.07.2026.