Maximum maternity benefit for 2026 announced
Tengrinews.kz — Following the 2026 update to maternity benefit calculation rules, payment amounts have shifted. In the first half of the year, the average payout was lower than during the same period last year, according to Balgyn Satbekkyzy, Deputy Director of the Almaty branch of the State Social Insurance Fund JSC.
New Calculation Method for Benefits
According to the speaker, the average maternity benefit in the first half of 2026 was approximately 1.4 million tenge. A year earlier, this figure reached 1.6 million tenge. Consequently, the average payout has decreased by 254,900 tenge, or 15.5 percent.
Satbekkyzy explained that the decline is due to legislative changes. Benefit calculations are now capped at an average monthly income of no more than seven times the minimum wage, which currently stands at 595,000 tenge.
"The final amount is calculated individually and depends on the income from which social contributions were made over the last 12 months, as well as the duration of the maternity leave," she specified.
In 2026, the maximum lump-sum maternity benefit does not exceed 2,499,000 tenge.
Note: The maximum lump-sum social maternity benefit for working women in 2026 is 2,499,000 tenge. If the average monthly income exceeds the established limit (7 times the minimum wage), the benefit is calculated based on this cap. Income levels are verified by social contributions paid into the State Social Insurance Fund over the preceding 12 months. If the calculation period spans different years, the minimum wage applicable at that specific time is used for each month.
For example, if a woman earns 600,000 tenge per month and takes 126 calendar days of maternity leave, she will be eligible for the maximum lump-sum social benefit of 2,499,000 tenge.
Balgyn Satbekkyzy, Deputy Director of the Almaty branch of the State Social Insurance Fund JSC. Photo: RCC
Returning to Work
During the press conference, journalists also asked whether benefits continue if a woman returns to work before her maternity leave expires.
Note: This refers specifically to the monthly social childcare allowance paid until the child reaches 18 months of age.
"If employment is resumed, the recipient is required to notify the State Corporation of their return to work. Based on this notification, the social benefit is suspended," Satbekkyzy replied.
She added that once the payments are terminated, they cannot be resumed.