Changes in social area in force as of January 2020

Several amendments to laws bringing about changes in the social field will come into force as of January 2020. In the area of employment policy, the minimum wage will rise to €580 per month, which is the biggest increase in Slovakia's history according to Labour Minister Ján Richter. Moreover, the conditions for granting support to maintain jobs will be modified. The state will be able to provide employers with a contribution to pay part of their employee's salary. In the area of family and social policy, parents will be entitled to a higher parental allowance. "For parents who were entitled to maternity benefit before receiving parental allowance, the contribution will go up from €270 to €370 per month. For parents who weren't entitled to maternity benefit, the amount will increase to €270," said Richter, adding that this contribution will grow automatically. "Beneficiaries don't have to apply for it from any authority." In addition, young parents aged up to 33 will be entitled to five weeks of holiday. The changes will also affect the recovery of substitute alimony. More funds will also be spent on social services. "We're increasing the budget for social services, exceeding €156 million, and €9 million higher than this calendar year," said the minister.