Maternal leave

Maternity leave

Maternity leave starts before the child's estimated date of delivery. You start your maternity leave at least 30 working days (about 5 weeks) before the estimated date of delivery. If you wish, you can start maternity leave earlier, starting 50 working days (just over 2 months) before the estimated date of delivery at the earliest. You can choose yourself when to start your maternity leave. When you start maternity leave, Kela will pay you maternity allowance. Remember to apply for maternity allowance at least 2 months before the estimated date of delivery and notify your employer of the leave at least 2 months before the start of leave.

Maternity leave and other family leave are based on the Employment Contracts Act.

After maternity leave

After maternity leave, you can take parental leave and receive parental allowance. The father can also take parental leave or you can share the leave.

After parental leave, you can take child care leave and receive child home care allowance. You can also return to work part time and receive part-time care allowance.

New child

If your older child is under 3 years of age on the day of your baby's estimated date of delivery, you may qualify for parental allowance on the basis of the same income as for your older child (see Amount).

Updated 10/22/12