Lapsehooldushüvitised

Lapsehooldushüvitised are payments provided by the Estonian state to parents caring for a young child. These benefits are intended to support families and enable one parent to focus on childcare during the child's early years. The primary benefit available is the child care allowance, also known as the lapsehooldustoetus. This allowance is paid to a parent who is not working or is working part-time because they are caring for a child under the age of three.

To be eligible for lapsehooldushüvitised, the parent must be an Estonian resident and the child must also be a resident of Estonia. There are specific conditions regarding the parent's employment status and previous income to determine the amount of the benefit. Generally, the allowance is calculated based on the parent's previous average earnings, up to a certain maximum amount. For parents who have not been employed or have had low earnings, there is a minimum monthly allowance.

The application for lapsehooldushüvitised is submitted to the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa). The benefit is typically paid out monthly. The duration of the benefit payment is until the child reaches the age of three. It's important to note that receiving this benefit may affect other social security payments or tax obligations. Detailed information and application forms are available on the official website of Töötukassa. The system aims to provide financial security for families during the crucial period of early childhood development.