O Maternity Benefit is intended for Brazilian women due to the birth of a child, adoption, unintentional sexual assault or legal guardianship for adoption purposes.
The arrival of a baby is a moment of great joy and transformation in a family's life. However, it can also be a financially challenging time, especially for mothers who need to take time off work to care for their newborn.
In this article, we will explore what this benefit is, how it works, who is entitled to it, how to request the benefit, how long it lasts and what documents are needed to obtain this assistance.
You will remain on the same site

What is Maternity Benefit
O Maternity Benefit This is a social security benefit provided by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) in Brazil, intended for Brazilian women who may or may not be employed.
It aims to guarantee a minimum income for the mother during the period in which she needs to take time off work due to the birth of a child or adoption of a child.
This benefit provides the mother with the financial security necessary to dedicate herself to caring for her baby in the first months of life, contributing to the child's healthy development.
How Maternity Benefit works
O Maternity Benefit It is paid monthly to the mother, generally starting from the month in which the birth or adoption occurs. The value of the benefit is calculated based on the average contribution wages in the last 12 months before leaving work.
In the case of unemployed mothers, the benefit is calculated based on the last contribution salary before unemployment. It is important to highlight that this is a temporary benefit, with a duration defined by law.
The mother is entitled to receive the benefit for a period of 120 days, which can be extended in cases of complications during childbirth or when the mother needs to be away from work for longer due to health problems.
Gas Allowance
Also see how Gas Aid works and who can receive it!
Who is entitled to Maternity Benefit
To be entitled to Maternity Benefit, the mother needs to comply with some basic requirements established by Brazilian legislation. Among the main requirements are:
- Deficiency: the woman must have contributed to the INSS for at least ten months before leaving work. This waiting period may vary in cases of adoption, premature birth or high-risk pregnancy;
- Insured status: the mother must be up to date with her social security contributions or be insured when the birth or adoption occurs;
- Birth or adoption: the benefit is granted when the child is born or a child up to 12 years of age is adopted.
- Contribution salary: the benefit amount is calculated based on the average contribution salary over the last 12 months.
Furthermore, the Maternity Benefit It can also be granted in cases of stillbirth, miscarriage or when the mother takes time off work due to medical complications during pregnancy.
How to apply for the benefit
The request of Maternity Benefit It can be done in person, by prior appointment at an INSS agency, or online, through the Meu INSS website or app. Check it step by step:
- Enter My INSS;
- Select “New order”;
- Write “Urban maternity salary”;
- In the displayed list, click on the benefit;
- Read the displayed text and proceed as instructed.
It is also worth mentioning that company employees must request the benefit directly at the workplace. In the case of MEI employees, the request must also be made through the INSS.
benefit duration
O Maternity Benefit It has a standard duration of 120 days, starting from the month of birth or adoption. However, as mentioned previously, this period can be extended in cases of complications during childbirth or health problems that prevent the mother from returning to work.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the benefit can be shared between parents in cases of adoption, as long as both are INSS insured. In this case, the mother and father are entitled to a leave of 120 days each, totaling 240 days of benefit to care for the child.
In the case of spontaneous abortion, the minimum period valid for the benefit is 14 days, and must follow the criteria established by the responsible doctor.
Final considerations
In summary, the Maternity Benefit It is a fundamental benefit that aims to provide mothers with financial stability during the period of caring for their baby.
Knowing the requirements, how the benefit works and the documents needed to request it is essential so that mothers can benefit from this assistance in a peaceful and hassle-free way, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to caring for their children at the beginning of their lives. .