Social Security processed 119,575 childbirth and childcare benefits in the first quarter of the year

A mother caring for her minor children

The number of childbirth and childcare leave applications is unchanged from the same period in 2023, when 119,435 were processed.

These figures correspond to the number of files processed, not to the number of recipients, as the benefit can be paid in weekly periods, and is counted each time one of them is started.

By autonomous region, the highest number of birth and childcare benefits is found in Andalusia (22,162), Catalonia (21,507) and Madrid (19,075).

Expenditure on childbirth and childcare allowances in the first three months of the year was 888 million euros. In 2023, this figure was 856.6 million, implying a year-on-year increase of 3.6%.

The average duration of active childbirth and childcare benefits in the first quarter of 2024 was 93 days for men and 102 days for women.

The childbirth and childcare allowance is an individual and non-transferable right of both parents. It replaced the old maternity and paternity benefits and brought them into line. At present, the leave period is 16 weeks, six weeks of which must be taken immediately after childbirth or after a judicial or administrative decision in cases of adoption, fostering or care. The rest of the time can be made available in successive periods before the baby turns one year old.

The amount of these benefits is equivalent to the contribution base for the month prior to the birth, adoption, foster care or fostering, and is paid directly by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) during the weeks that the leave period lasts.

The National Social Security Institute offers the possibility of applying for childbirth benefits online, through the Your Social Security portal and through the Benefit for the birth and care of a child, childbirth or adoption, fostering or foster care for the purpose of adoption.

Successive periods of leave for childbirth or childcare can also be requested online if the parents choose to split the period.

Leave to care for a child, foster child or family member

On the other hand, the number of periods of leave granted in the first quarter of the year was 11,741, of which 9,979 corresponded to women (85%) and 1,762 to men (15%).

The number of period of leave has decreased 3.5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Non official translation