Äitiyspäiväraha

Äitiyspäiväraha is a Finnish social insurance benefit paid to mothers during maternity leave. It is intended to compensate for lost income during the period when the mother is not working due to pregnancy and childbirth. The benefit is administered by Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

Eligibility for äitiyspäiväraha is based on several factors, including the mother's employment status, income level, and residency in Finland. Generally, the mother must have been insured in Finland for at least 180 days immediately preceding the estimated due date. The benefit is typically paid for 105 weekdays, starting 14 to 30 weekdays before the estimated due date.

The amount of äitiyspäiväraha is calculated based on the mother's average earnings in the 12 months prior to the start of the leave. There is a minimum daily allowance and a maximum daily allowance. The benefit is subject to income tax.

Äitiyspäiväraha is a crucial component of Finland's parental leave system, aiming to support mothers and families during a significant life event. It is often combined with other parental benefits, such as paternity allowance and parental allowance, to provide comprehensive income security for parents. The goal is to enable parents to spend time with their newborn without facing severe financial hardship.