What are my rights as a pregnant woman in terms of maternity benefits?
February 26, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Alwin Vollmann
Dear Social Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you as a pregnant woman, unsure of my rights regarding maternity benefits. My name is Edith Schlüter and I am in my 7th month of pregnancy. I have not yet delved deeply into this topic and now want to ensure that I can access all the benefits and support that I am entitled to.
Currently, I am in a temporary employment contract and I am wondering if I am entitled to special protection against dismissal during my pregnancy. I am also concerned about how my financial situation will be during maternity leave and what benefits I can apply for to secure my livelihood and that of my unborn child.
Furthermore, I would like to know if I am eligible for maternity pay and how much it could amount to. I also wonder if I will still be insured in the statutory health insurance during maternity leave and if my health insurance provider offers additional benefits.
Given my situation and the impending birth of my child, I am very worried and seek clarity on my rights and options regarding maternity benefits. Therefore, my question to you is: What are my rights as a pregnant woman in relation to maternity benefits and what steps should I take to access them?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Edith Schlüter
Dear Mrs. Schlüter,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your rights in relation to maternity benefits. As a lawyer specializing in social law, I can assist you and provide you with all the necessary information on this topic.
Firstly, I want to assure you that as a pregnant woman, you do indeed have special protection against dismissal. According to the Maternity Protection Act, your employer is generally prohibited from terminating your employment during pregnancy and for up to four months after childbirth. This special protection is meant to ensure your health and that of your unborn child.
Regarding your financial situation during maternity leave, I can inform you that you are entitled to maternity benefits if you are covered by statutory health insurance and have been insured for at least 180 days in the last 12 months before the start of maternity leave. Maternity benefits usually amount to 13 euros per calendar day and are paid for a total of 14 weeks.
During maternity leave, you will remain covered by statutory health insurance. Your health insurance will provide additional services during this time, such as prenatal check-ups, medical care, and midwifery assistance. Additionally, you are entitled to a subsidy for pregnancy and childbirth preparation courses.
To claim your maternity benefits, you must submit an application for maternity benefits to your health insurance in a timely manner. You can typically submit this application starting from the 13th week of pregnancy. Furthermore, you must inform your employer in advance when you will start maternity leave and how long you are expected to be absent.
In summary, as a pregnant woman, you have various rights regarding maternity benefits that are designed to protect your health and that of your child, as well as secure your financial situation. If you have any further questions or need assistance in asserting your rights, I am at your disposal.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I wish you all the best for the upcoming birth of your child.
Sincerely,
Alwin Vollmann
Lawyer specializing in social law
