The Ministry of Social Security and Labour proposes that maternity benefits be paid for 126 calendar days to all women who have given birth, regardless of the date of birth and whether the baby survived or not.
In addition, it is proposed that this benefit be paid to the newborn’s guardian from the day guardianship is established until the baby reaches 126 days old (currently – 70 days).
The ministry notes that currently the duration of benefits depends on which week of pregnancy the baby is born, whether the baby is born alive or stillborn, or survives for a certain period, but women cannot control these circumstances.
“To ensure equal opportunities for all women, it is appropriate to standardize the duration of maternity benefit payments,” the ministry’s note states.
The draft Law on Sickness and Maternity Social Insurance also proposes that in the case of a stillborn child or the death of a child during the receipt of maternity benefits, the benefit be paid regardless of work income or benefits.
It is also proposed to grant the right to one of the parents or guardians to receive child care benefits for an additional two-month leave period when the other parent or guardian has a 75% or higher level of lost capacity to participate, as well as when only one person is appointed as guardian.
Currently, the payment of benefits for non-transferable months is not regulated.
Amendments to the Labour Code are expected to come into force from 2027. That year, according to the ministry, about 2 million euros of “Sodra” funds may be additionally needed, of which 1.1 million euros – for maternity and 0.9 million euros – for child care benefits.
