More flexible arrangements for parental leave and parental benefits

The amendments to the procedure for parental leave and parental benefit entering into force on 1 April allow families raising children to choose the appropriate solutions for reconciling work and family life and participating in raising children according to their needs. The system of state benefits for parental leave was also made more convenient, as applications for and payment of all benefits are now handled by the Social Insurance Board.

Mothers can now take maternity leave during which they receive maternity benefits from the Social Insurance Agency for up to 100 calendar days. Previously, the Health Insurance Fund paid maternity benefits to mothers for 140 calendar days. Although maternity leave includes a smaller number of days, parents can now make use of shared parental benefits for a longer period (475 days instead of 435 days). While previously parents could decide which of them would receive parental benefits after the child turns 71 days, parents will now be able to make that decision already after the child turns 31 days. The renewed system gives fathers the opportunity to stay home with their children with pay much earlier. In addition, both parents can take parental leave, which essentially replaces the previous child care leave, for the same period of 60 days, while both receive parental benefits.

In order to make it easier to combine work and family life, the amendments made it possible for parents to use parental benefits one calendar day at a time. This allows parents to continue working part-time while raising their children, to use parental benefits for a longer period and to alternate who stays home with the children.

In addition, the principles of granting parental leave have been revised. Previously, parents were entitled to three or six working days of parental leave each calendar year, depending on the age and number of their children. Now, both parents have 10 days of parental leave for each child, which they can use independently of the other parent until the child is 14 years old.