Romania has four main family benefits an international parent in Cluj should know: the state child allowance (a universal monthly amount per child), the child-raising allowance (an income-replacement benefit while a parent stays home), the return-to-work incentive, and nursery vouchers (an employer benefit). Eligibility for foreign residents depends on your residency and work status — so check your specific case with ANPIS. Below is what each is, with 2026 figures to confirm.

1. State child allowance (alocația de stat)

A universal monthly amount for every child up to 18 (and 18+ if still in school), regardless of income. For 2026 it’s frozen at the December 2025 level (Law no. 141/2025):

  • 719 lei/month for children under 2 (under 3 if the child has a disability), and for children 3–18 with a disability.
  • 292 lei/month for children aged 2–18.

Details in our guide to the state child allowance 2026. (Note: a Senate bill proposes cutting the 3–18 amount — it’s not law; see the 100-lei proposal.)

2. Child-raising allowance (indemnizația de creștere a copilului)

An income-replacement benefit for a parent who stops working to raise the child (up to age 2, or 3 for a child with a disability):

  • 85% of the average net income over 12 of the last 24 months before birth.
  • Minimum ~1,650–1,651 lei; maximum 8,500 lei.
  • Since 1 August 2025, a 10% health contribution (CASS) is withheld; no income tax.

See how the child-raising allowance is calculated and the general guide.

3. Return-to-work incentive (stimulentul de inserție)

A fixed monthly amount for a parent who returns to work before the child-raising leave ends — combinable with a salary. Reported figures: 1,500 lei or 650 lei, depending on when you return. See the return-to-work incentive.

4. Nursery vouchers (tichete de creșă)

An optional employer benefit, not income-tested, worth 740 lei/month from April 2026, to help pay nursery fees for children 0–3. See nursery vouchers and where they’re accepted.

Eligibility for foreign residents

This is the part to check carefully, not assume:

  • The state allowance and the child-raising allowance are administered by ANPIS via the county agency (AJPIS Cluj).
  • Eligibility for foreign residents generally depends on legal residence in Romania and, for the income-based benefits, on your work/contribution history. EU and non-EU citizens can face different rules.
  • Confirm your specific situation with AJPIS Cluj / the Ministry of Labour before relying on any amount — don’t assume EU-style automatic entitlement.

Frequently asked questions

What child benefits exist in Romania in 2026? The state child allowance (719/292 lei), the child-raising allowance (85% of income, min ~1,650/max 8,500), the return-to-work incentive (1,500/650 lei) and employer nursery vouchers (740 lei).

Can foreign residents claim them? It depends on your legal residence and work/contribution status; EU and non-EU rules can differ. Check your case with AJPIS Cluj / the Ministry of Labour.

Is the child allowance income-tested? No, the state child allowance is universal. The child-raising allowance and the return-to-work incentive depend on your work/income history.

Where do I apply? For the state benefits, through ANPIS / AJPIS Cluj. Nursery vouchers come from your employer.

Are the amounts taxed? The child-raising allowance has a 10% CASS since August 2025 (no income tax). Confirm current amounts and rules with AJPIS Cluj.

Sources

  • Law no. 61/1993 (state child allowance); Law no. 141/2025 (2026 freeze)
  • Emergency Ordinance no. 111/2010 (child-raising allowance, return-to-work incentive); Law no. 141/2025 (CASS)
  • Law no. 165/2018 (nursery vouchers)
  • ANPIS / AJPIS Cluj and the Ministry of Labour for eligibility

See all our official sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

Romania’s 2026 child benefits are the state allowance (719/292), the child-raising allowance (85%, min ~1,650/max 8,500, 10% CASS), the return-to-work incentive (1,500/650) and nursery vouchers (740). Confirm eligibility for your residency status with AJPIS Cluj, and for enrollment see our expat guide and the interactive piticluj.ro map.