Navigating Maternity Benefits While on Unpaid Leave for Health Reasons: Am I Eligible?

I am 8 months old in my current organization. I gave birth in October 2016. During this period, my working days were 70, as I was on unpaid leave for the rest of the time due to health issues.

Please let me know if I am eligible for maternity benefits.

No, you will not be eligible for maternity leave. The minimum number of days required is 80.

You have written that your working days were 70, which means you worked only for 70 days during an 8-month tenure. Kindly clarify so as to give appropriate views by the forum members.

Hello Ma'am,

It is advised to see your entitlement on the website. Please go through the following steps:

1. Employees' State Insurance Corporation
2. Employer/IP log in
3. Insert Insurance Number
4. Submit.

View entitlement. It is self-explanatory. If you find it difficult, then please post your Insurance Number. I can see and help you.

Saji, my working days are 75, and the tenure of employment is 8 months. I was on sick leave for the rest of the period but it was unpaid.

As per the Maternity Benefit Act, which is as follows and self-explanatory:

"Women engaging temporarily and unmarried are eligible for maternity benefits when she is expecting a child and has worked for her employer for at least 80 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery."

An employee must work for a minimum of 80 days for eligibility within a period of 12 months from the expected delivery. Hope this clarifies your doubt.