Lithuania to introduce universal child benefits

VILNIUS, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian lawmakers approved amendments on Tuesday which foresee child benefits to be paid out as of January 2018 to all parents or guardians of children.

Child allowances approved by the parliament will amount to between 30 and 58.50 euros (36 and 70 U.S. dollars) per month for one child and will depend on the family's financial situation and the number of children in the family.

"It is children's money, not parent's. Their purpose is to assist those who have the most difficult living conditions at the moment, who find themselves in a complicated social situation," Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis told reporters.

"I believe it is an investment, if we could reach child benefits amounting to 100 euros, it would be a huge support for families with kids," Skvernelis said.

According to the law amendments, so called "children's money" amounting to 30 euros per month will be paid out to all children until they turn 18. If the children are studying, they will receive the allowances up to the age of 21.

Families with three or more children will receive 58.50 euros per month for a child under two years old, and 45.20 euros for older children.

Low-income families will also be eligible for corresponding supplements. Enditem