News - 30.06.2026

Birth grant supports new parents

Veronica Sjöfn Garcia is a new mother and among the first parents in VR to receive a birth grant from the union. She encourages parents in VR to make use of the birth grant, as families need additional support during this sensitive time. “I believe it is very important to be able to use a birth grant from your trade union, as new parents experience a significant reduction in income during parental leave. It is great that VR has started offering birth grants.”

Parents in VR have called for the union to offer a birth grant, and a proposal from the Board to that effect was approved at the annual general meeting in March. Members apply for the birth grant on My Pages at vr.is. See more information about the grant.

Veronica has been a member of VR for around eight years and holds a degree in business administration. She is also studying landscape architecture at the Agricultural University of Iceland and works part-time at the family restaurant, Caruso.

“It is very helpful for me to receive the birth grant, as it is a good addition to parental leave payments,” says Veronica. “During this time, families need more support to bridge the financial gap so they can care for their child and meet its needs.”

“I encourage all new parents in VR to make use of the birth grant, as every króna matters, especially during parental leave. The application process was very convenient and efficient on My Pages.”