Kazakhstan's New Maternity Benefit Policy Sparks Debate

Kazakhstan Implements Changes to Maternity Benefits: Mothers Face Potential Repayment of Aid Astana, Kazakhstan – May 26, 2025 – Recent changes to Kazakhstan's maternity benefit system are causing concern among new mothers. Under the new regulations, women who return to work before their child turns 18 months old may be required to repay 40% of the benefits they received. This repayment is based on their average monthly salary over the past two years. "I went back to work after six months because I needed the income," said one mother interviewed in Astana. "Now I'm worried about having to repay a significant portion of the benefits." Gулбафила Болатбекова, an expert from the Social Security Fund, explained the rationale behind the change. "The goal is to ensure the system's sustainability," she stated. "The government is trying to balance the need to support mothers with the need to manage public funds effectively." The new policy has sparked debate, with some arguing that it unfairly burdens working mothers. Others believe that it is necessary to prevent abuse of the system. The government is currently considering the issue in parliament. The long-term effects of this policy change remain to be seen, but it is clearly a topic of significant public interest and concern.