What is Maternity Benefit?
Maternity benefit is paid leave and related support for women employees around childbirth. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, a woman who has worked at least 80 days in the preceding 12 months is eligible for 26 weeks of maternity benefit. An employer cannot dismiss her for taking maternity leave under the law.
Example
An eligible employee in an establishment with ten or more employees goes on 26 weeks of leave. After returning she gets two nursing breaks a day, in addition to normal rest intervals, until the child is 15 months old.
Related
See maternity benefit under the Labour Codes.
Related terms and guides
Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment, Compliance Handbook for Employers under the Four Labour Codes, https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/02/83978455025732b99b0165def80ab171.pdf, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
- The Code on Social Security, 2020, https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/07/b0620548445580767b5c0d18c95c26f7.pdf, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.