Can I Qualify for Maternity Benefits with My Current Employment Dates and Salary?

Hi, I'm Jamuna. I joined on 08.01.20, and my delivery date is 29th December 2020. My salary is $59,004.00. Can I get maternity benefits?

If your total service in the establishment is not less than 80 days in the preceding 12-month period as of the expected delivery date, you are entitled to statutory maternity benefits regardless of your salary level.

Thank you for your valuable information. I have another question: if I have not completed 12 months, can I still receive this benefit?

Thank you for your valuable information. I have another question: if I have not completed 12 months, can I still receive this benefit? According to the doctor, my confirmed conception date was 24th March 2020, and until that date, I had not completed 80 days.

Understanding Conception and Maternity Benefits

The date of conception cannot be pinpointed by anyone. Only a doctor can confirm pregnancy and declare the approximate period of pregnancy. This is primarily for certificate purposes to inform the employer that the employee is pregnant. A 12-month period must be calculated backward from the expected date or actual date of delivery, whichever is applicable. When counting back from that specific date, if the 80th day falls within the 12-month period, it is sufficient; the employee does not need to have been in continuous employment for the entire 12 months. Please refer to section 5(2) of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.