Maternity leave: Rights and important information

Many companies offer their employees a series of benefits, such as childcare assistance, health plan or maternity leave, which we will talk about today.

What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave is a period of paid leave granted to pregnant women or employees who have just given birth.

This is a legal right, as the mother needs time to breastfeed her child and take care of her physical and mental health.

It can be found in the CLT, having been instituted in 1943, and in the beginning its leave was 84 days for mothers who had just had children.

In the past, it was paid by the employer itself, so the company you work for should make the payments. 

However, since 1973 the leave has been for approximately 120 days and is a social benefit, for which the employer does not need to pay.

It is worth mentioning that the duration of maternity leave will depend on the mother's situation.

In the case of childbirth, adoption of a minor, legal custody or stillbirth, the leave is 120 days. In the case of a spontaneous abortion or one carried out by law, the leave is 14 days, subject to medical advice.

What is it for?

This has become something very important that makes companies seen favorably by their professionals and outsiders.

During maternity leave, the employee can be away from work, without losing her job and receiving her salary, generally the period can be from weeks to months.

During this period, the mother can recover from childbirth, create a connection with her baby and take care of the first moments, which are memorable and essential in their development.

Still contributing to the adequate development of the newborn, providing a stable and welcoming environment in the first months of life.

How much do you receive during maternity leave?

While a company's employees are on maternity leave, they receive what is called maternity pay. It is a benefit paid to those who are away from work due to childbirth, adoption or non-criminal abortion.

In Brazil, for example, maternity pay is paid by the National Social Security Institute (INSS).

The worker has the right to receive an amount equivalent to her salary, limited to the maximum amount established by Social Security. This amount is calculated based on the average of the worker's last months of contributions.

Maternity pay in Brazil is paid during the 120-day period of leave, and can be extended for another 60 days in the case of companies participating in the “Citizen Company” program.

During this period, the worker receives the financial benefit monthly, in accordance with current legislation.

Who can receive it?

The right to receive maternity pay is granted to certain categories of workers, varying according to the legislation of each country.

Generally, pregnant women, postpartum women (who have recently given birth) and adopters may be entitled to this benefit, mainly by contributing to social security.