Who is entitled to a maternity allowance?

The maternity benefit is a salary replacement benefit during maternity leave. A maternity allowance is paid to mothers who

• had compulsory insurance in the nine months before the birth of the child within the meaning of the OASI Act and
• were employed during this period for at least five months and
• are employed or self-employed at the time of the birth.

Entitlement to the maternity benefit also exists if the mother does not continue to work after the birth of her child.

Entitlement commences on the day of the birth and ends after 98 days at the latest. It ends prematurely if the mother starts working again before the entitlement period expires.

Leaflet 6.02 - Maternity benefit