Multiple-birth families

Multiple-birth families are families with two or more children born at the same time. Certain Kela benefits are paid at a higher rate or for longer to multiple-birth families. In this context, multiple-birth families also refers to families with two or more children adopted at the same time.

Maternity grant multiplied

If you give birth to two or more children at the same time, your maternity grant will be increased. For your second child, you will receive the normal maternity grant multiplied by two, for your third child, the normal maternity grant multiplied by three, etc. This means that for twins, you will receive three times the maternity grant, for triplets, six times the maternity grant, etc.

You can choose how you wish to take out each maternity grant: in cash or as a maternity package. For example, if you give birth to twins, you can take 2 maternity packages and one cash payment of €140.

Maternity and paternity allowances

The maternity allowance and the paternity allowance are not increased if more than one child is born at the same time.

Parental allowance for an additional 60 days

Parents with multiple children born at the same time are entitled to an additional 60 working days of parental allowance for each child starting with the second. For one child, parental allowance is paid for 159 working days; for twins, 158 + 60 working days; for triplets, 158 + 60 + 60 working days, etc. The additional days can be used to lengthen the parental leave or to allow both parents to stay at home at the same time to look after their children.

Child benefit

Child benefit is paid according to the number of eligible children in the family.

Updated 10/22/12