Maternity assistance is a fundamental social benefit to guarantee the protection and support of working women during the pregnancy and postpartum period.
This benefit aims to provide financial security to the mother and baby, enabling the continuity of work and the reconciliation of professional life with motherhood.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how maternity aid works, addressing the requirements for granting it, the amount of the benefit, the duration of the payment and the application procedures.
Requirements for granting maternity aid
To be entitled to maternity aid, a woman needs to meet some specific requirements.
First, it is necessary to be enrolled in the General Social Security Regime (RGPS), which is the social security system in Brazil.
In addition, the pregnant woman must prove the lack of 10 months of contribution to the INSS, except in cases of high-risk pregnancy and adoption.
Another important requirement is verification of the quality of being insured, that is, the woman needs to be up to date with her social security contributions.
These requirements guarantee coverage of the benefit during the period of leave due to maternity.
benefit amount
The value of the maternity allowance is calculated based on the average contribution salary of the insured person in the last 12 months prior to the leave.
Social Security uses a specific formula for this calculation, considering the values of social security contributions.
The benefit is limited to the amount of the pension ceiling established by the government. However, it is worth noting that there are cases in which the amount paid may be lower than the insured person's salary, especially for those with higher remuneration.
It is important to consult the INSS table or seek guidance to understand the exact amount to be received.
payment duration
The duration of the maternity allowance varies according to the situation of the insured person. For employed workers, the benefit lasts for 120 days, 14 days before childbirth and 106 days after the birth of the baby.
In cases of premature delivery, the insured person is entitled to an extension of the benefit for the time equivalent to the anticipation of delivery.
In the case of adoption, maternity aid is granted for 120 days from the date of adoption or legal custody for adoption purposes.
In situations of spontaneous or non-criminal abortion, the woman is entitled to the benefit for 14 days.
Application for maternity aid
The request for maternity aid can be made by the insured person directly to the INSS or, in some cases, through the employer.
It is important to gather the necessary documentation, such as a work permit, identification document, proof of enrollment in the RGPS, medical examinations and, if applicable, a birth certificate or term of custody for adoption.
These documents will be requested during the benefit application process. It is recommended that the request be made in advance to avoid delays in receiving the aid.
Conclusion
Maternity assistance plays a crucial role in guaranteeing the rights of working women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
Knowing the requirements for granting the benefit, the amount to be received, the duration of payment and the application procedures are essential information to ensure that pregnant women and mothers have access to the resources necessary to care for themselves and their children.
Therefore, it is essential that women are aware of their rights and seek adequate guidance to ensure access to maternity assistance.
