Maternity leave. In Russia, paid maternity leave lasts 140 days: 70 before and 70 after childbirth. For twins or triplets, it increases to 84 days before and 110 after birth.
Who can receive the benefit. Unlike childcare benefit, which men may also claim, maternity benefit is available only to women who are employed; unemployed after dismissal due to an organization’s liquidation during the year preceding recognition as unemployed; full-time students; or serving in the military under contract. Women in these categories may also receive maternity benefit when adopting a child.
Direct payments. Pregnancy and childbirth benefits are now paid directly by the Social Insurance Fund rather than through the employer. Women dismissed because their organisation was liquidated receive the benefit from the social protection authorities where they live. If an insured woman's employment history is under six months, her benefit cannot exceed the minimum wage.
How to apply. Since the beginning of this year, people no longer need to submit applications for maternity benefit. An electronic sick leave certificate is now the basis for payment. Other information required for payment will be obtained through electronic data exchange with medical organizations, state extra-budgetary funds and other agencies.
What to do when maternity leave ends. A mother may choose to return to work or receive childcare benefit until the child reaches one and a half years of age. If the mother returns to work, the benefit may instead be claimed by the father, grandmother or another family member who actually cares for the child. The benefit cannot exceed 40% of average earnings for one child, or 100% of earnings for several children.