Extension of maternity leave to a woman who takes her leave on May 8, 2007 or thereafter.
Under a new amendment, maternity leave for women who took their leave on May 8, 2007 or thereafter has been extended, as follows:
1. For women who are entitled to a full maternity allowance –
The maternity leave will be extended by two weeks, and will be 14 weeks (rather than 12 weeks as previous to the amendment)
The maternity leave of a woman who gave birth to twins or more will be extended by three weeks for every additional child; that is, for twins, she will be entitled to a maternity leave of 17 weeks (rather than 14 weeks previous to the amendment); for triplets, she will be entitled to a maternity leave of 20 weeks (rather than 16 weeks previously).
2. For women who are entitled to a partial maternity allowance* –
The maternity leave will be extended by one week, and will be 7 weeks (rather than 6 weeks as previously).
The maternity leave of a woman who gave birth to twins or more will be extended by two weeks for every additional child; that is, for twins, she will be entitled to a maternity leave of 9 weeks (rather than 7 weeks as previously); for triplets, she will be entitled to a maternity leave of 11 weeks (rather than 9 weeks as previously).
Payment of maternity allowance
When authorizing the claim, the National Insurance Institute will pay the maternity allowance to the entitled mother, for the period of entitlement determined according to the amendment, without the extension.
The mother will receive the additional payment for the period of extension directly to her bank account, within a month of the payment of the maternity allowance.
There is no need to submit an additional claim.
Further information on entitlement to maternity allowance may be found in the chapter on maternity allowance.
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* A woman who worked for 6 months out of the 14 months preceding the day that she ceased working while pregnant is entitled to a partial maternity allowance.