Maternity Allowance

Mothers are entitled to take maternity leave while receiving Maternity Allowance from Kela. You can go on maternity leave 50 days before the due date at the earliest and 30 days before the due date at the latest. You can choose yourself when to go on maternity leave. 

Maternity Allowance is paid for the first 105 days of entitlement (not including Sundays and other holidays).

If your employer pays you salary while you are on leave, the Maternity Allowance is paid to your employer.

You are entitled to Maternity Allowance if you have lived in Finland at least 180 days before the due date. Your entitlement to the allowance begins when your pregnancy has lasted 154 days.

Mothers are entitled to a Special Maternity Allowance, if they in performing their work or at their workplace are exposed to a chemical substance, radiation or infectious disease that is considered to endanger the health of the unborn baby or the course of the pregnancy, and if suitable alternative work cannot be found.

Work or study during a maternity leave

Mothers who work during maternity leave get a minimum-rate allowance (EUR 22.04) from Kela for the in-work days.

Mothers who study an receive financial aid during maternity leave are entitled to a minimum-rate Maternity Allowance (EUR 15.20 per day) along with the financial aid. The Maternity Allowance is considered as income and counts towards the maximum income that students may earn per year.