Maternity Benefits for Agency Hires on Probation: Is She Eligible?

I would like to inquire about the maternity benefits provided to an employee who was hired through an agency and is currently on a six-month probation period. Could you please clarify if she is eligible for maternity benefits during this probationary period? Thank you.

Maternity Benefits Eligibility Under the Maternity Benefit Act 1961

As per Section 5(2) of the Maternity Benefit Act 1961, a woman employee shall be entitled to maternity benefits unless she has actually worked in an establishment of the employer from whom she claims maternity benefits for a period of not less than eighty days in the twelve months immediately preceding the date of her expected delivery. Therefore, she is eligible to receive the benefit through the consultant provided she has completed 80 days of actual work.