Lithuanian municipalities offer one-time payments and gifts for newborns

Lithuanian municipalities are finding ways to support families with newborns, with some increasing one-time payments or providing gift vouchers, while others offer only baby baskets without additional financial aid, reports LRT.

In Druskininkai, new mothers like Karolina, who returned to her hometown after studies, receive a one-time payment of €840. She says the funds help cover essentials like vitamins or baby items. “With that money, you can buy what’s most needed at the time—maybe vitamins or something new for the home. You can even buy a stroller,” she said.

Druskininkai saw 65 births last year and 23 in the first half of this year. Jolita, a mother of five, notes that such support is crucial for families. “When you leave work and live on minimal income, it’s hard to make ends meet, so this help is very welcome,” she said.

Since June, Druskininkai has increased its one-time payment to €1,065 per child. For twins, the amount reaches nearly €5,000, and for triplets, almost €7,000. Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas clarifies that the goal is to assist young families, not necessarily to boost birth rates. To qualify, at least one parent must have declared residency in Druskininkai for at least six months. “This safeguard prevents abuse, like claiming the payment in one district and then re-registering in another,” he explained.

Neringa offers the highest one-time payment at €1,200, while Alytus district has doubled its payment to €1,000 since June. Not all municipalities provide cash support. Kalvarija, for example, gives baby baskets containing gift vouchers worth €250 for pharmacy products, diapers, or baby care items. “We’ve introduced baby baskets with a €250 gift voucher, allowing parents to choose what they need most, from medicine to diapers or baby care products,” said Deputy Mayor Vaida Skuolienė. Last year, 40 births were registered in Kalvarija, with 25 in the first half of this year.

Vilkaviškys has not raised its one-time payment, which remains at €370, but also provides a baby basket. Deputy Mayor Daiva Riklienė highlights the region’s high number of vulnerable families. “It’s sad when parents with dependencies exploit their children, using them for financial gain. We see this trend,” she said. Some parents suggest that flexible conditions, such as tax exemptions or a review of child benefit systems, would be more valuable than one-time payments.

Some municipalities, including Vilnius and Kaunas districts, do not allocate one-time payments for newborns from their budgets.