Hungary’s legal changes taking effect on Jan. 1

Hungary faces several legal changes as of Jan. 1, 2018, including an increase in general child-care benefits as well as child-care benefits for university students or graduates, added support for mortgage holders and the option of relief on student loan repayments. 

As of today, eligible families are entitled to a maximum of gross 193,200 forints (EUR 622) in child-care benefits.

Female university students or graduates are eligible for an extra year of child support up to the second child’s second birthday. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s programme will be eligible for 96,600 forints in support and students enrolled in a master’s programme for 126,350 forints.

Tax benefits for families with two children rise, leaving them with an extra 5,000 forints of monthly disposable income.

The prime minister announced last May that the government will pay off 1 million forints of a mortgage after every third and subsequent child and forgive half the student loans of women with two children and the entire debt of those with three or more children. There is no upper age limit for children born earlier so the mortgage debt can be reduced even if the older child has already turned 18 years old.