The Seimas amended the Law on Benefits for Children to make families who lost income due to the lockdown eligible for a monthly benefit of 100 euros per child, instead of the universal benefit of 60 euros.
The amendments were passed with 126 votes in favor, none against and one abstention.
Families with one or two children receive 60 euros per child. Families with three or more children and with children with disabilities and those on low income are paid an extra 40 euros.
A low-income family is a family whose average monthly income for the past 12 months does not exceed 250 euros per member, not including the child's benefit and a part of wages.
The Seimas reduced the reference period to three months. The new provision will remain in place for six months after the end of the lockdown which was last extended until May 31.
The Social Security and Labor Ministry estimates that around 33,000 children could be eligible for the benefit increase.