In Uzbekistan, a new procedure for assigning and paying maternity benefits within the state social insurance system has come into force. The Social Protection Agency’s press service reported this.
Under the new mechanism, the benefit amount depends on a woman’s insurance record. At the same time, the minimum benefit is maintained at no less than 75% of the average monthly income, as set out in the Labor Code.
According to the agency, the changes are linked to the fact that pregnancy and childbirth payments have now been incorporated into the state social insurance system. This means eligibility for benefits directly depends on formal employment and the payment of insurance contributions.
It is noted that until January 1, 2026, in many cases these payments were made directly by employers, which did not ensure a link between length of service and eligibility. As a result, in some cases employment contracts were formalized for short periods to obtain benefits.
To prevent such abuses, a minimum insurance record requirement has been introduced. The agency emphasized that the new procedure does not reduce women’s social protection; on the contrary, it encourages formal employment and strengthens the system’s long-term sustainability.
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