Serbia approves Parent-Caregiver Bill to support families with high-needs children

Serbia's government has approved a landmark Parent-Caregiver Bill, aiming to provide crucial support to families dedicated to the round-the-clock care of children with high needs. The legislation, set to be presented to Parliament soon, is hailed as a major social policy achievement.

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The bill will soon be presented to the Parliament.

Minister of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Milica Djurdjevic Stamenkovski emphasized the bill's significance, stating it recognizes the daily struggles faced by these families. For years, parents have awaited state acknowledgment of their demanding roles. The bill mandates monthly allowances for unemployed parents who qualify for "caregiver status," ensuring they receive 65,000 dinars per month.

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This legislation is one of the most significant social policy milestones in recent decades.

Beyond financial aid, the law also includes provisions for the payment of taxes and social security contributions. This ensures that parents providing care will accrue years of service toward their pensions, offering a vital layer of long-term security. The progress of this bill follows previous opposition attempts to introduce similar proposals, which were previously blocked by the government.

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The adoption of the bill marks a major victory for families that have spent years waiting for the state to recognize their daily struggles.

The draft was initially approved by a Working Group in late March, marking a significant step forward after earlier legislative hurdles. The government's approval now paves the way for parliamentary debate and, ultimately, implementation of the much-anticipated support system for caregivers.

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Under this new law, parents with “caregiver status” will be entitled to a monthly allowance of 65,000 dinars and will earn years of service toward their pension.