Municipality of Debrca offers 30.000 denari to young couples marrying for the first time
First-time spouses up to 30 years old can receive 30.000 denari; the package also includes birth grants, disaster aid and social support.
The Municipality of Debrca has introduced a package of one-time cash benefits aimed at young people starting married life and families with newborns. Under the new measure, first-time newlyweds up to 30 years old are eligible for a lump sum of 30.000 denari, while applicants older than 30 can receive 6.000 denari.
Support for births and emergency aid
The municipal programme also foresees payments for newborns: 6.000 denari for the first and second child, and a markedly larger amount—100.000 denari—for a third child or any subsequent child. In addition, households hit by fires, floods or other accidental damage may obtain financial help of up to 30.000 denari after an assessment and subject to meeting the conditions.
Officials say the measures form part of a broader local strategy to encourage family formation, raise natality and help larger households, especially in areas facing population decline and youth out-migration. The municipality frames the aid as a way to ease some of the immediate costs of weddings, setting up a home and buying baby essentials.
To qualify, applicants must have permanent residence on the territory of the Municipality of Debrca and must submit the required documentation proving residence, age and that the marriage is a first marriage. The municipality stresses that payments depend on available budget funds and are made in accordance with the rules and financial capacities of the local government.
Beyond wedding and birth support, the package includes one-time assistance for medical treatment and social packages for the most vulnerable households. Interested residents are advised to check deadlines, required paperwork and any additional criteria before applying.
While 30.000 denari will not cover all wedding or housing costs, municipal leaders say it may provide welcome relief for many couples. It remains to be seen whether similar programmes will be adopted by other municipalities in North Macedonia.
Photo: press material from the event
