“GYES” is a Hungarian term — in Romania it isn’t called that, and it isn’t exactly the same thing. For Hungarian-speaking families, the closest Romanian equivalent is the child-raising allowance: 85% of net income, between a minimum of about 1,650 lei and a maximum of 8,500 lei. If you return to work earlier, you get the return-to-work incentive (~1,500 or ~650 lei). Below we clarify the terms and the 2026 figures.

GYES vs. the Romanian system — a clarification

In Hungary, GYES is a fixed benefit. In Romania the logic is different: the main benefit is an income-replacement (a percentage of your previous earnings), not a fixed amount for everyone. So don’t look for “GYES” at Romanian institutions — the equivalent is the child-raising allowance and the return-to-work incentive.

1. The child-raising allowance (the main benefit)

  • 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.
  • Granted until age 2 (age 3 for a child with a disability).
  • Since 1 August 2025, a 10% CASS; no income tax.

Details in our guides to the child-raising allowance 2026 and how it’s calculated.

2. The return-to-work incentive (if you go back to work)

If you return to work before the child-raising leave ends, you get a fixed monthly amount, combinable with a salary: ~1,500 lei or ~650 lei, depending on when you return. Details in the return-to-work incentive. For placing your child when you go back to work, see returning to work after GYES/the incentive.

Where to apply

Both benefits are administered by ANPIS via the county agency (AJPIS Cluj). The allowance file is submitted through your employer/town hall to AJPIS. Confirm the current amounts and the file with AJPIS Cluj.

Frequently asked questions

What corresponds in Romania to Hungary’s GYES? The child-raising allowance — 85% of net income, between ~1,650 and 8,500 lei. It’s an income-replacement, not a fixed amount.

Is there a fixed benefit like GYES? The minimum (~1,650 lei) is a lower limit, but the allowance is based on your income. The return-to-work incentive is fixed (~1,500/650 lei), but only if you return to work.

How long is the allowance paid? Until age 2 (age 3 for a child with a disability).

Is it taxed? Since August 2025 it has a 10% CASS, with no income tax.

Where do I apply? Through ANPIS / AJPIS Cluj. Confirm the file and amounts with AJPIS Cluj.

Sources

See all our official sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

The Romanian equivalent of Hungary’s “GYES” is the child-raising allowance (85%, min ~1,650/max 8,500) and — if you return to work — the return-to-work incentive (1,500/650). Apply through AJPIS Cluj, and see the nursery/kindergarten options on the interactive piticluj.ro map.