Maternity Allowance Values and How to Apply for the Benefit
O Maternity Allowance: Rules, Values and How to Request the Benefit It is a fundamental right guaranteed to adoptive mothers and fathers in Brazil.
Provided for by the Federal Constitution and regulated by the National Social Security Institute (INSS), it seeks to offer financial support during the period in which the beneficiary is away from work.
This assistance is essential to ensure the well-being, health and economic stability of the family, especially in the first months of the child's life.
If you have any questions about How the benefit works, who has the right, what are the values or how to make the request, read on for detailed information.
What is Maternity Allowance?
O maternity allowance, also known as maternity pay, is a social security benefit granted to cover the period of absence from work for reasons related to the birth of a child, adoption, judicial guard or abortion provided for by law.
In addition to protecting mothers' income, the benefit extends to adoptive parents and, in some cases, biological parents in specific situations.
This right is supported by legislation such as Law 8.213/91 It is INSS regulations, being accessible to different categories of workers, from formal workers to individual contributors.
Who is entitled to Maternity Allowance?
Maternity assistance is guaranteed for several categories of INSS policyholders. See below which groups are covered:
- Workers with employment relationship (CLT):
The license is mandatory for companies and the benefit amount is paid directly by the employer, with reimbursement by the INSS. - Casual workers:
They include professionals who provide services through unions or professional associations, such as stevedores. - Domestic workers:
The benefit is paid directly by the INSS, as long as social security contributions are up to date. - Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs) It is autonomous:
These insured parties must have at least 10 months of contribution to the INSS before making the request. - Unemployed:
The right to the benefit depends on being within the period of insured status. This period can be up to 36 months, depending on contribution history and other conditions. - Special insured:
Rural workers, fisherwomen and other family activities can apply for assistance upon proof of rural activity. - Adoptive parents or legal guardians:
The benefit also applies to parents who adopt or receive legal custody of children for the purposes of adoption.
Rules for Granting Maternity Allowance
The rules for obtaining the Maternity Benefit are clear, but vary depending on the type of insured. Below, we list the main requirements:
Shortage
- For formal workers: There is no need to fulfill the waiting period, that is, the right to the benefit is guaranteed from the beginning of the employment relationship.
- For self-employed, MEIs and optional workers: it is necessary to have at least 10 months of contribution to the INSS to obtain the benefit.
- For unemployed women: the right depends on the period of insured status. Contributors can maintain this condition between 12 and 36 months, depending on the regularity of your contributions.
Required Documents
The documents required to apply for the benefit include:
- Birth certificate of the baby or equivalent document (in case of adoption or abortion).
- ID, CPF or Driver's License.
- Proof of social security contributions, when necessary.
- For special insured parties, documentation proving rural activity, such as declarations from professional associations or contracts.
How Much is Maternity Allowance?
The value of Maternity Benefit is calculated according to the insured's category:
- Workers with signed employment contracts: receive the amount corresponding to the last monthly salary registered on their employment record.
- Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEIs) It is autonomous: the value is based on the average of the last 12 contributions carried out to the INSS.
- Domestic workers: the calculation is made based on the value informed by the employer in the eSocial system.
- Special insured: receive the equivalent of a current minimum wage.
It is worth noting that the benefit can be accumulated if the insured person has more than one formal job.
How long is Maternity Allowance paid for?
The maternity benefit payment period is 120 days for most cases. However, some situations have different deadlines:
- Maternity leave for adoption: the deadline is the same (120 days), regardless of the child's age.
- Spontaneous abortion or in cases provided for by law: the benefit is paid for up to 14 days.
Companies participating in the Citizen Company Program can extend the license period to 180 days.
How to Apply for Maternity Allowance?
The process for requesting the benefit depends on the type of employment relationship. Check out the step-by-step guide:
1. For workers with a formal employment contract
The employer is responsible for requesting the benefit. The employee must present a medical certificate or the baby's birth certificate.
2. For MEIs, self-employed and optional
It is necessary to place the order directly through My INSS, the official application of the National Institute of Social Security, available for Android and iOS. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Access the website or application My INSS.
- Log in using your CPF and password registered in the system.
- In the main menu, choose the option “Request Benefit” and then select “Maternity Pay”.
- Fill in the requested data, such as personal information and details about the event (birth, adoption or abortion).
- Attach the mandatory documents, such as the birth certificate, ID, CPF It is contribution receipts.
- Send the request and track the progress through the application itself.
The analysis period may vary, but the INSS usually gives a response within 45 days.
3. For special insured persons
Rural workers or family workers must also apply for the benefit through My INSS.
However, they must present documents that prove their rural activity, such as a union declaration or lease contracts.
Documents Required for Application
To speed up the process, it is important to have the following documents on hand:
- Birth certificate or medical certificate (in case of high-risk pregnancy or miscarriage).
- Identity document (RG, CPF or CNH).
- Proof of contributions to INSS (for self-employed and optional).
- Proof of rural activity, where applicable.
Important Tips to Ensure the Benefit
- Regularize your contributions to the INSS, especially if you are self-employed or MEI.
- Keep documents up to date and organized.
- Regularly monitor the progress of the process through the application My INSS.
O Maternity Allowance: Rules, Values and How to Request the Benefit It is essential protection for mothers and families, ensuring financial security at a time of great change.
Knowing the rules, deadlines and necessary documents is essential to access this right without complications.
If you are about to become a mother or are planning to adopt, be sure to organize your contributions to the INSS and gather the necessary documents to make the request.
The benefit can be the support you need to experience this special moment with peace of mind.