The "zero income rule" for a single benefit: what is it and how does it work?

In Russia, women expecting a child or parents raising children under the age of 17 can claim a single benefit, a monthly payment aimed at supporting families in need. One of the key conditions for obtaining it is compliance with the so-called "zero income rule". Read about what this rule is and who falls under it in the Izvestia article.

The "zero Income rule" — what it is and how it works

Starting in 2023, Russia has a unified system of monthly payments for pregnant women who are registered early, as well as for families with children under the age of 17 whose average per capita income is below the regional subsistence level. Neediness is determined through a comprehensive assessment, an important part of which is the "zero income rule."

According to him, all able-bodied family members should have an official income: salary, pension, scholarship or profit from entrepreneurship. This condition is aimed at stimulating legal employment and supporting those who actively care about the welfare of children. If there is no income for no good reason, payments may be refused.

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Who needs to confirm income:

• parent (adoptive parent, guardian) applying for benefits;
• the applicant's spouse;
• children under the age of 23, if they study full-time and are not married.

The billing period for the "zero income rule" is 12 months. To make payments, it is sufficient that for at least one month during this period a person receives a salary, pension or scholarship, while the income of each able-bodied family member for the year should be at least four minimum wages. Failure to comply with this condition will result in the income being recognized as zero, and the assignment of benefits will be refused.

Is it possible to receive a single benefit if there is no income

The lack of official earnings is not always an obstacle to receiving a single benefit. The government recognizes a number of valid reasons why payments are still being made. These include:

• pregnancy (at least 12 weeks at the time of applying for benefits);
• the status of a parent with many children (if only one spouse has no income);
• treatment lasting from three months or sick leave for up to three years of child care;
• caring for a disabled child under the age of 18, a disabled person, or an elderly person over the age of 80;
• full-time study at a college or university (for children under 23 years old);
• military service (including three months after demobilization);
• the status of an unemployed person registered at the employment center (no more than six months);
• belonging to the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East.

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If there has been no income for the entire year, a valid reason must be confirmed at least 10 out of 12 months in advance. This requirement is checked for each family member separately.

How will the "zero income" rule change from January 1, 2026

Starting from January 1, 2026, the minimum annual income threshold for which the "rule" applies will double from four to eight minimum wages.

In 2026, the federal minimum wage will amount to 27,093 rubles. Therefore, in order to receive benefits, you will need to confirm an income of at least 216,744 rubles (8 × 27,093) per year for each able-bodied family member, instead of the previous 89,760 rubles. At the same time, the list of valid reasons for the lack of income will remain the same.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the unified allowance for families with children will be calculated in 2026.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.