Over 30,000 Kazakhstani Women May Lose Childcare Allowance Under Proposed 2027 Reforms

Starting January 1, 2027, the allocation of childcare allowances for non-working mothers caring for children up to 1.5 years of age will be determined based on their family's financial situation. This legislative shift could impact more than 30,000 Kazakhstani women categorized under Category A and B status, according to Kurultai Deputy Lazzat Kozhakhmet.

The deputy clarified that formally employed mothers will not be affected by this change. They will continue to receive payments from the State Social Insurance Fund until their child reaches the age of 1.5, calculated as usual at 40% of their average income over the preceding two years. A family's placement in Category A or B will not diminish a working mother's right to these benefits.

However, the procedure will shift significantly for stay-at-home mothers and those without formal employment. From 2027 onward, childcare benefits for non-working women will only be granted if the household is officially classified as requiring state social assistance.

"If a household does not qualify as needy, and the mother is able-bodied, has no health issues, and the family maintains sufficient living income, women in Category A and B will no longer be eligible for this financial support," Deputy Kozhakhmet stated.

Kozhakhmet noted that while over 30,000 women in Categories A and B currently receive this allowance, this does not automatically mean all of them will lose their benefits in 2027. Each case will be individually reviewed based on demonstrated family need.

Additionally, the deputy highlighted broader social payment reforms taking effect in 2027. These include revised rules regarding the unemployment registration of early-retired military and law enforcement personnel, as well as new restrictions on fathers receiving childcare benefits.

According to Kozhakhmet, starting January 1, 2027, the childcare allowance up to 1.5 years will be allocated exclusively to women. Updates are also expected regarding compensation payments for work-related health damage.