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In the event of pregnancy, mandatory prenatal examinations made after the
declaration of pregnancy are covered in full up to the basic health insurance
ceilings. From the 6th month of pregnancy, all care received is covered
100%. Maternity leave lasts at least 16 weeks for a single birth and 34
weeks for a multiple birth. During this statutory period of leave, the insured
person receives a daily maternity allowance equal to her basic daily earnings
calculated on the average of the three months preceding prenatal leave (up to a
limit of EUR 2 682 a month). To receive such benefit, the insured
person must have been registered with the social security for at least 10 months
on the expected date of the birth and have paid contributions based on a
specific wage level.
Moreover, all fathers insured under the general scheme have the right to
paternity leave of 11 consecutive days during the four months after the
child is born.
On 1 January 2004, a new benefit was introduced called PAJE (child
welcome benefit) consisting of a benefit paid at childbirth or adoption, a basic
benefit, a freely chosen bonus for the method of childcare (for children cared
for by a crèche worker or childminder) and an additional freely chosen bonus
for insured persons who reduce their working hours or stop work to look after
their child. These allowances are means-tested.
Furthermore, insured persons with at least two dependent children under the
age of 20 are eligible for a minimum family allowance of EUR 119.13 per
month regardless of their income (this amount increases conmensurate with the
number and age of the children).
These allowances are paid by the Family Allowance Fund (CAF).
Text last edited on: 03/2007
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2009
Reproduction is authorised.
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