Birth Allowance for the First and Second Child: How Much You’ll Receive and Where to Apply

Quick Overview

• How much is the childbirth allowance? 13,000 CZK for the first child and 10,000 CZK for the second child.
• Who is eligible for the childbirth allowance? Families whose qualifying income does not exceed 2.7 times the subsistence minimum.
• For how many children is it paid? For the first or second live-born child; the birth grant is not paid for the third or subsequent children.
• Where to apply? Through the Czech Labor Office.
• How long can you apply for the childbirth allowance? You can claim the allowance retroactively for up to one year.

The current Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs confirms the amount of 13,000/10,000 CZK as well as the income limit of 2.7 times the subsistence minimum.

Are you unsure which income is considered when assessing your eligibility for the childbirth allowance, or has the Labor Office rejected your application? Discuss your situation with an attorneyto find out what options you have for moving forward.

What is the childbirth allowance, and for which child can you receive it?

The childbirth allowance is a one-time state social assistance benefit intended for lower-income families to cover expenses associated with the birth of a child. The conditions are governed by the State Social Assistance Act.

You can receive the childbirth allowance upon the birth of your first or second live child. You are not eligible for the childbirth allowance for your third or subsequent children.

Who is eligible for the childbirth allowance?

Any parent (mother or father) whose net income does not exceed 2.7 times the family subsistence level for the last quarter before the child’s birth may apply for the benefit.

Who is eligible for the childbirth allowance in 2026? The basic requirement is family income. The relevant income of jointly assessed individuals must not exceed 2.7 times the family subsistence minimum. For example, for a household consisting of two adults and a newborn child, the subsistence minimum in 2026 totals 10,990 CZK per month. The income threshold for eligibility for the childbirth allowance thus corresponds to 29,673 CZK per month.

Specific Situations:

• Students and Self-Employed Individuals – Determining the relevant income for these applicants may be more complicated. The scholarship itself is not included in the income counted toward the subsistence minimum. For income from self-employment, it is advisable to follow the rules of the State Social Support Act and the data required by the Labor Office.
• Foreign nationals with permanent residence – Eligibility exists if the child is born in the Czech Republic and at least one parent has permanent or long-term residence in the country.
• Divorced/not living in the same household —if the other parent lives elsewhere, they are not included in the joint assessment of household members.

In practice: Correctly determining income is often the key factor

When assessing eligibility, the biggest problem is usually not the amount of the childbirth allowance itself, but the correct determination of the relevant period, the jointly assessed persons, and the income included in that period. A common mistake, for example, is to simply count income from the three months prior to the child’s birth, even though the law refers to the preceding calendar quarter.

How much is the childbirth allowance in 2025 for the first, second, and subsequent children?

• First child: 13,000 CZK
• Second child: 10,000 CZK
• Third and subsequent children: No childbirth allowance is paid
• Twins: 23,000 CZK total (13,000 CZK for the first child + 10,000 CZK for the second child)
• Multiple births: 23,000 CZK total (same as for twins)

These amounts are lump sums—they do not depend on income or the cost of the items purchased, so you can use them as you see fit. Most families invest the money in safety equipment (car seats, breathing monitors) or in long-term expenses, such as family supplemental health insurance.

How and Where to Apply for the Childbirth Allowance: Deadlines, Government Offices, and the Online Form

The application must be submitted within one year of the child’s birth. Use the “Application for Childbirth Allowance” form (MPSV), which you can:

• Submit in person at any regional branch of the Labor Office.
• Send via a data box (the OVM ID is different for each branch; you can find a list of them on the MPSV website).
• Fill out online at dávky.mpsv.cz—all you need is your electronic citizen ID.

You must attach the child’s birth certificate and proof of income to the form. The Labor Office has 30 days to process the application.

Did the Labor Office deny your childbirth allowance? That doesn’t automatically mean the decision is correct. We’ll review the reasons for the denial and the calculation of your relevant income, and advise you on whether it makes sense to file an appeal against the office’s decision.

Common Mistakes and Practical Tips

According to experts, parents keep making the same mistakes:

• They forget to document all sources of income, such as parental benefits or child support; the official then asks them to provide additional information, and the entire process is delayed.
• Alternatively, they may miss the one-year deadline.

On the other hand, here are some proven tips:

• Ask your doctor to confirm your due date before the baby is born—this allows some offices to prepare the file in advance.
• Keep a copy of the birth certificate; you’ll need the original for other institutions (health insurance company, civil registry office).

Summary

The childbirth allowance is a one-time payment for low-income families upon the birth of their first or second live child. In 2026, the childbirth allowance for the first child is 13,000 CZK and for the second child is 10,000 CZK. Eligibility applies only if the combined income of the jointly assessed individuals does not exceed 2.7 times the family’s subsistence minimum. The income for the calendar quarter preceding the quarter in which the child was born is used to determine eligibility. Applications for the childbirth allowance are submitted through the Labor Office, and eligibility can be claimed retroactively for up to one year.