The Ministry of Welfare has prepared a reform of the parental benefits system, which, according to the department's plan, should make it simpler and more beneficial for families. If the proposals are approved, the new rules will come into effect on January 1, 2028. The main change is that instead of the current two options for the duration of payments, a single benefit period of 548 days, or approximately 18 months, is proposed. At the same time, it is planned to increase the income replacement rate to 70% for all socially insured parents. Currently, this rate depends on the chosen duration of the benefit and is 60% or 43.75%. In fact, parents will no longer have to choose between a higher payment and a longer duration of receipt. The Ministry proposes to replace the existing system with a single option with the same conditions for everyone. As noted by the Minister of Welfare, Reinis Uzuliņieks, today many parents have to navigate two types of benefits and make decisions about the duration of payments in advance, which makes the system complex and not always clear. In addition, the ministry proposes to establish a minimum benefit amount linked to the median income level. This mechanism will allow for automatic adjustments of the minimum payment as the income level in the country changes. Another proposal concerns working parents. It is planned to maintain the current option to work while receiving 75% of the assigned parental benefit, making this provision permanent. The reform will require additional expenditures from the state budget — about 9 million euros annually. The proposals have already been reviewed by the Demographic Council, which supported the continuation of work on the reform. By November 1, the Ministry of Welfare has been tasked with preparing the necessary legislative changes. Currently, parental benefits are received by one parent — an employee or self-employed individual, and the mother and father independently decide who will be the recipient. In addition to the main part of the benefit, there is also a non-transferable part lasting two months for each parent. The right to it is retained, and it can be used until the child reaches the age of eight. If the reform is adopted, the system will become simpler, and most families will be able to expect a higher amount of payments compared to the current rules.