The maximum maternity payment in Kazakhstan could reach 3,234,000 tenge before mandatory pension contributions are deducted if the minimum wage rises to 110,000 tenge from 2027. The figure is a potential maximum for 126 days of maternity leave, according to Kursiv’s calculations. Each recipient’s payment would depend on the income counted in the calculation.
Kursiv reports that the proposed minimum wage increase from 85,000 to 110,000 tenge would raise the income ceiling used to calculate social insurance payments. Separately, the official Gov.kz guide to maternity leave confirms the seven-minimum-wage ceiling, the calculation for 126 days and the deduction of pension contributions.
Why the minimum wage matters
At a minimum wage of 85,000 tenge, the monthly income ceiling is 595,000 tenge. Under the proposed increase to 110,000 tenge, that ceiling would rise to 770,000 tenge.
A higher ceiling would allow more of a higher earner’s income to count towards the payment. Earnings above the applicable ceiling would still be excluded.
How much could be paid for 126 days
Gov.kz explains that the maternity payment uses income subject to social contributions over the preceding 12 calendar months, divided by 12, including any gaps in contributions. For a standard 126-day medical certificate, the resulting average monthly income is multiplied by 4.2.
Kursiv’s comparison of the potential maximum amounts is:
| Measure | Minimum wage: 85,000 tenge | Proposed minimum wage: 110,000 tenge |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly income ceiling | 595,000 tenge | 770,000 tenge |
| Factor for 126 days | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Payment before pension contributions | 2,499,000 tenge | 3,234,000 tenge |
The maternity payment covers the full period on the medical certificate. Gov.kz confirms that 10% is withheld for mandatory pension contributions, so the amount transferred to the recipient’s bank account is lower.
Who could receive more
The higher ceiling could benefit women whose income counted for social insurance exceeds the current limit of 595,000 tenge a month. Reaching the potential maximum would require sufficient qualifying income throughout the relevant calculation period.
A salary above the ceiling alone does not guarantee the maximum payment. The official guidance bases the calculation on income supported by social contributions. eGov also notes that when the calculation period spans different years, the minimum wage applicable to each year is used.
What could happen to childcare payments
The monthly childcare payment until a child reaches 18 months uses a different calculation. According to Gov.kz, qualifying income over the previous 24 months is divided by 24 and multiplied by 0.4, with pension contributions then deducted.
Kursiv calculates that the potential monthly maximum before pension deductions could rise from 238,000 to 308,000 tenge if the income ceiling increases to 770,000 tenge. This is a separate payment from the maternity lump sum.
When could the increase take effect?
According to Kursiv, the government was instructed to raise the minimum wage from January 1, 2027. Higher payment ceilings depend on that increase taking effect under the required procedures.
The 3,234,000-tenge figure is therefore a conditional calculation, rather than a guaranteed payment from the start of 2027. Individual amounts would depend on qualifying income, the calculation period and the applicable rules.
