From now on, it will not be possible to obtain allowances for families with children under powers of attorney issued by Moldova's diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Government approved a number of amendments to the legislation, banning such a measure. It argued that the allowances are misused. The executive also annulled the monthly childcare allowance of 50 lei, including for children under guardianship and school students. These allowances were paid to families on low income if the average monthly income of a family member was lower than 54 lei. According to the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, the allowance of 50 lei does not have a significant value for the entitled families as it is evident that the members of these families do not live on 54 lei a month. It is presumed that they do not declare the real incomes earned, including the remittances. Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Valentina Buliga said the families that indeed have low incomes can receive social benefit, which is much larger, if they present the necessary documents. She said that from January 1, 2010, the lump-sum payment at the birth of the first child will be 1,700 lei, while for every next child – 2,000 lei, both for insured and non-insured persons. The monthly allowance for a child younger than one year and a half is 250 lei for non-insured persons.