Hungary will launch a means-tested school-start benefit program at a cost of $128 million per year, according to Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The program aims to support families with children, particularly those with chronic illnesses or severe disabilities, special needs children, or single-parent households.
Program Details
The program will provide a grant of 100,000 forints, paid in two halves, to benefit 400,000 children. The grant will be linked to existing social support measures and will be offered to children receiving a higher-rate family allowance due to a chronic illness or severe disability, special needs children, or single-parent households, among others.
The Hungarian government estimates the 2026 shortfall at more than 7% of economic output, which could be the European Union’s largest. The government plans to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.0% of GDP by 2030 through structural fiscal consolidation efforts, including a sweeping anti-corruption drive, more transparent public procurement, and lower spending on government propaganda.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
