Unified Child Benefit in 2025: Conditions, Amount, and Application Procedure

"First of all, it is important to note that the social role of the state in this matter is aimed at supporting low-income families. The income criterion will play a decisive role in determining whether to grant benefits to individuals with children under the age of 17.

The main reasons for refusal include exceeding the family’s income threshold, the family's assets surpassing the established maximum, and the zero-income rule. Under this rule, an applicant will be denied benefits if they and/or other adult family members have no earned income during the assessment period. This rule is designed to prevent situations where adult family members rely solely on the unified benefit for their livelihood.

In the event of a refusal to grant the unified benefit, the applicant has the right to challenge the decision first through an out-of-court procedure by contacting the Social Fund of Russia (either directly or via the online reception) or by submitting a relevant application through the ‘Gosuslugi’ portal. If the extrajudicial appeal does not lead to a resolution and the refusal is deemed unlawful, the applicant should take the matter to court," says Konstantin Ananyev.