Verified · 29 Sept 2026
Maternity Benefit Calculator – 26 Weeks Leave
Check eligibility and the paid leave available for childbirth, adoption, surrogacy or miscarriage, with the medical bonus.
✓ Verified against official notifications · 29 Sept 2026 · How we verify →
Recent change: Central Rules under all four Labour Codes notified (8 May 2026)
26 weeks of paid leave
Benefit
₹2,18,400
182 days × daily wage
Medical bonus
₹3,500
Total
₹2,21,900
- Establishments with 50 or more employees must provide a crèche (or access to a common crèche).
- Work from home may be allowed after the benefit period if the nature of work permits, on mutually agreed terms.
4 Codes in force 21 Nov 2025 · Central Rules 8 May 2026 (G.S.R. 342–344(E))Verify on EPFO / ESIC →Share on WhatsApp
For estimation only. This calculator applies the rules as we understand them on 29 Sept 2026. It is not legal or tax advice. Verify with the official notification or consult a Chartered Accountant / labour-law professional before filing or changing payroll.
Did this tool give you the right answer?
How much leave, and when
| Situation | Paid leave |
|---|---|
| Birth, fewer than two surviving children | 26 weeks, up to 8 of them before the expected date |
| Birth, two or more surviving children | 12 weeks, up to 6 before the expected date |
| Adopting a child under three months | 12 weeks from the day the child is handed over |
| Commissioning mother (surrogacy) | 12 weeks from the day the child is handed over |
| Miscarriage or medical termination | 6 weeks from the day after |
| Tubectomy | 2 weeks |
| Illness arising from pregnancy or delivery | Up to 1 extra month |
To qualify for birth-related benefit, the employee must have worked at least 80 days in the 12 months before the expected delivery date. Adoption and surrogacy benefit has no such condition.
Worked example
An employee with one child on the way has an average daily wage of ₹1,000. Benefit runs for 26 weeks, which is 182 calendar days including Sundays: ₹1,82,000. The employer provides no free pre-natal and post-natal care, so a medical bonus of ₹3,500 is added. Total: ₹1,85,500.
The average daily wage is worked out over the days she actually worked in the three calendar months before her leave began, so a month of unpaid leave does not drag it down.
ESI-covered employees
If the employee is covered by ESI and meets its contribution condition, ESIC pays maternity benefit at 100% of wages instead of the employer. The protection against dismissal during the leave still applies. See the ESI calculator for coverage.
Protections during and after leave
- She cannot be dismissed or have her conditions of service changed to her disadvantage during the leave.
- After returning, she gets two nursing breaks a day until the child is 15 months old.
- Establishments with 50 or more employees must provide a crèche, or access to a shared one.
- Work from home can be agreed after the leave if the job allows it.
The benefit applies in every factory, mine, plantation, shop and establishment with 10 or more employees.
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave?
26 weeks for the first two children (up to 8 before delivery), and 12 weeks from the third child.
Who is eligible?
Women who have worked at least 80 days in the 12 months before the expected delivery date.
Is there leave for adoption?
Yes. 12 weeks for adopting a child under three months, and 12 weeks for a commissioning mother.