Universal child benefit 

 In Lithuania, every child under 18, or up to 23 if they're studying according to a general education curriculum, receives a monthly universal child benefit (known as vaiko išmoka or vaiko pinigai). In 2024, it's €96.25 per child, paid each month. Additionally, an extra €56.65 is provided if the family is raising three or more children, has a low income, or has a child with a disability.  

If you're an EU citizen, a third-country national with permanent residence, or legally living and working in Lithuania (or have worked here for at least 6 months and registered as unemployed), you can apply for this benefit. However, please note that foreign students who arrived in Lithuania for studies cannot apply for the universal child benefit. 

You can apply online or in person at your local municipality.   

One-time child benefit 

Every child born in Lithuania receives a one-time child benefit (known as vienkartinė išmoka gimus vaikui). In 2024 this benefit is €605. You can apply for this one-time child benefit within 12 months from the child’s date of birth. 

The one-time child benefit can also be granted for a child born abroad, provided that the child's residence is registered in Lithuania and the application for the benefit is submitted within 12 months from the child's date of birth. 

Foreigners can apply for this benefit if they hold a permanent residence permit, are citizens of an EU or European Free Trade Association country with a residence permit in Lithuania and have lived there for at least 3 months, or have been granted asylum or temporary protection in Lithuania. Alternatively, citizens of Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea, or their family members with temporary residence permits, can qualify if they've lived in in Lithuania for at least 3 months. 

To receive the one-time child benefit, you need to apply to the social benefits department of the municipality where your residence is registered or submit your application through www.spis.lt.  

Free meals and Support for student supplies 

In Lithuania, all preschoolers, first-graders, and second-graders receive free school meals regardless of family income. Students in higher grades can receive free meals if their family’s average monthly income per member is less than €264. Additionally, students from families with an average monthly income of less than €264 also can receive support for summer camp meals and €110 for student supplies. 

To apply for this support, contact your local municipality or submit your application through www.spis.lt.