The kindergarten social voucher — from the “Every Child in Kindergarten” (Fiecare Copil în Grădiniță) programme (Law no. 248/2015) — is monthly support for disadvantaged families whose child attends kindergarten. From April 2026, its value rose to 0.4 ISR, i.e. roughly 264 lei/month (check the exact amount with DASM Cluj-Napoca). Note: it is not the same as the employer nursery vouchers.

Below you’ll find how much it’s worth, who qualifies, the attendance condition, and where to apply in Cluj.

What it is and how much it’s worth in 2026

The programme provides a monthly electronic social voucher, used for food, hygiene products, clothing, footwear and school supplies (not tobacco or alcohol). The legal basis is Law no. 248/2015, with its implementing norms (Government Decision no. 15/2016).

The value used to be 0.2 ISR (about 133 lei), but Emergency Ordinance no. 23/2026 doubled the multiplier to 0.4 ISR, starting with the entitlements for April 2026. With the ISR (social reference indicator) staying at 660 lei in 2026, this comes to about 264 lei/month. Confirm the exact value and any rounding with DASM Cluj-Napoca, as some sources print 265 lei.

Who qualifies

Since 1 January 2024, the right to the voucher is tied to the Minimum Inclusion Income (VMI) — specifically the “support for families with children” component (Law no. 196/2016). In practice, the voucher goes to disadvantaged families who meet the income conditions of that benefit.

One useful point: the right to the voucher exists whether or not the VMI payment itself is currently being paid or is suspended — what counts is meeting the conditions. Check your specific situation with DASM Cluj.

The attendance condition

The voucher is granted only while the child actually attends kindergarten, on condition of regular attendance:

  • Justified absences (generally medical) may not exceed 50% of the kindergarten days in the monitored month.
  • Medical certificates must be submitted by the 3rd of the following month.
  • Once per school year, the voucher may be kept even with over 50% absences, for medical reasons.

The voucher is granted monthly, for the September–June period of the school year.

Don’t confuse it with nursery vouchers

These are two completely different things:

  • The kindergarten social voucher (this article) — state social assistance, income-tested (VMI), for children in kindergarten.
  • Nursery vouchers — an optional employer benefit (Law no. 165/2018), worth 740 lei/month from April 2026, not income-tested, for children aged 0–3. Details in our guide to nursery vouchers in Cluj.

Where to apply in Cluj

In Cluj-Napoca, the application is submitted to DASM — the Directorate for Social and Medical Assistance of the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca, Social Protection Service:

Confirm the counter’s address and the current list of documents directly with DASM (usually: application form, ID documents, the children’s birth certificates, income certificates and an attendance certificate from the kindergarten) — the list may be updated.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the kindergarten social voucher worth in 2026? From April 2026, 0.4 ISR per month, i.e. about 264 lei (with the ISR at 660 lei). Confirm the exact value with DASM Cluj.

Who qualifies for the kindergarten social voucher? Disadvantaged families who meet the conditions of the Minimum Inclusion Income (“support for families with children” component) and whose child attends kindergarten.

What’s the difference from nursery vouchers? The kindergarten social voucher is state aid, income-tested. Nursery vouchers are an optional, non-income-tested employer benefit for children aged 0–3.

What attendance condition applies? Regular kindergarten attendance; justified absences may not exceed 50% of the month’s days, and medical certificates must be submitted by the 3rd of the following month.

Where do I apply in Cluj-Napoca? At DASM Cluj-Napoca, Social Protection Service — at the counter, online at portal.dasmclujnapoca.ro, or via the form on the website.

Sources

See all our official sources on the data sources page.

Conclusion

The kindergarten social voucher is worth about 264 lei/month from April 2026, goes to disadvantaged families (tied to the VMI), and is granted while the child attends kindergarten. Apply at DASM Cluj and confirm the value and current documents. You’ll find every kindergarten in Cluj-Napoca on the interactive piticluj.ro map.