Special maternity allowance

Special maternity allowance is a compensation for expecting mothers who have to stop working before the actual maternity allowance period is scheduled to begin. You are entitled to the allowance if

  • you are exposed to chemical substances, radiation or infectious diseases at work
  • the health hazards cannot be avoided in your work, and
  • your employer is unable to arrange other tasks for you during your pregnancy.

Special maternity allowance does not reduce the amount of actual maternity allowance. It is paid until the regular maternity allowance period starts. If your working conditions are made safe or your contract of employment ends, the special maternity allowance will also be stopped. It is also not possible to work for another employer while receiving special maternity allowance.

The amount of special maternity allowance is the same as that of maternity allowance. Further information is available under Amount.

How to claim

  • You can claim special maternity allowance online (in Finnish). You can log on to the service with your online banking codes.
  • Alternatively, you can complete and print out the application for parental benefits for mothers (SV 9e).
  • Please enclose
    • documentation on the pregnancy, provided by the doctor or health centre (e.g. SV75)
    • a statement by the occupational health physician concerning workplace health risks to foetal development and pregnancy (SV 97).
    • employer's report on the working conditions and absence from work (SV 96).
  • Special maternity allowance must be applied for within 4 months of your last day at work.
  • When applying for special maternity allowance, you can also apply for maternity and parental allowance at the same time if your pregnancy has lasted for 154 days.
  • If you are paid by your employer during the period, your employer will claim the allowance from Kela for the corresponding period.

You can check in the online customer service whether a decision has been made on your application and when the allowance will be paid.

Updated 02/20/13