Special Maternity Allowance

Special Maternity Allowance is a compensation for expecting mothers who have to stop working before the regular maternity leave is scheduled to begin due to health hazards at work. You are entitled to the allowance if

• you are exposed to chemical substances, radiation or contagious diseases at work
• the health hazard cannot be eliminated and
• your employer is unable to reassign you for the duration of your pregnancy.

Special Maternity Allowance does not affect the amount of the Maternity Allowance. It is paid until the regular Maternity Allowance period begins, until the health hazard has been eliminated or until your contract of employment ends.

How to claim

• Special Maternity Allowance is claimed in the same way as the Maternity Allowance. File your claim online or complete the paper form SV9 (Application for parental benefits – to be completed by the mother).
• Enclose
  • Documentation about the pregnancy (e.g., SV 75 or SV 95 form completed by the doctor or the health centre).
  • Statement (SV 97 form) by an occupational health physician concerning workplace health risks to foetal development or to the continuation of the pregnancy
  • Details about the workplace conditions and absence from work (SV 96, to be completed by the employer).
• Claim within 4 months of your last day at work before maternity leave.
• You can claim Maternity and Parental Allowance at the same time if your pregnancy has lasted at least 154 days.
• If you are paid by your employer during your leave, your employer will claim compensation from Kela.