On March 14, 2025, the State Duma of Russia saw the introduction of a significant bill proposing monthly payments for housewives. The initiative, introduced by Yaroslav Nilov, the head of the committee on labor, social policy, and veterans affairs from the LDPR party, aims to offer financial support to those engaged exclusively in household duties.
The proposed legislation targets families living together permanently within the Russian Federation, particularly those performing roles like caring for children, cleaning, cooking, and shopping for groceries. Specifically, this encompasses the care of children over the age of 1.5, disabled children, and elderly parents requiring constant care. The primary intent of this bill is to support those handling household responsibilities, which includes various daily activities centrally important to family life.
According to the document submitted to the Duma, if the bill is enacted, the payments will equal the regional subsistence minimum designated for able-bodied individuals. To qualify for these benefits, families must have average per capita incomes not exceeding twice the subsistence minimum. There are notable qualifications: families whose income surpasses this threshold will not be eligible for the payment.
Nilov's proposal also delineates restrictions concerning beneficiaries. Notably, those who have recently gained Russian citizenship will need to reside within the country for five years before they can apply for these payments. Self-employed individuals who pay the professional income tax would also be excluded from receiving these benefits. This marks a departure from many welfare reforms, where universal access is often prioritized.
Payments, if approved, will be dispensed for six months at first, after which recipients may reapply, contingent on their continued eligibility. The idea of financial support for housewives is not new; it bears resemblance to proposals made as far back as 2020 by former LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky, which sought similar support for non-working women.
Reflecting on the development of this bill, Nilov emphasized, "The monthly payment to those engaged in housekeeping is established to target support for families who dedicate their time to household duties. These responsibilities underpin the family structure and merit financial recognition." He reiterated the government's intent to improve family income levels and, by extension, encourage healthier demographic trends within Russian society.
While there is support for the intention behind the bill, criticisms arise concerning its exclusivity and the restrictive prerequisites for beneficiaries. Critics argue the proposed restrictions could leave many deserving families outside the system's support mechanisms, potentially marginalizing those who need assistance the most. Observers noted the emphasis on not extending benefits to recent citizens may exacerbate feelings of exclusion among new nationals who have integrated but are still finding their footing economically.
Under the proposed legislation, Nilov anticipates not only enhancing the living standards of families engaged primarily in domestic work but also fostering broader social changes aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing demographic challenges facing the nation. This fits strategically within the greater framework of social policy efforts aimed at bolstering the family unit and promoting traditional values.
Further discussions are expected within the state legislature as lawmakers contemplate the best ways to implement and refine support mechanisms for Russian families. Whether the bill can bridge the legislative hurdles and gain broader approval will be closely watched, especially considering previous rejections of similar proposals.
Overall, Nilov's initiative for monthly payments to housewives marks another chapter in Russia's domestic policy, reflecting both persistent economic issues and the government's acknowledgment of domestic labor's role. It remains to be seen how this proposed bill might evolve and how it will impact households across the nation, particularly over the next half-year as the first recipients may begin to benefit from it.