Maternity benefits 2026: Step by Step

Check out this simplified step-by-step guide to guarantee your Maternity Allowance benefit and preserve your income during your leave from work! You can continue receiving it for 4 months, and in some cases, it may be possible to renew it for up to 6 months! Check out the step-by-step guide now!

✅Step-by-step guide to applying for maternity benefits at INSS (Brazilian Social Security Institute)

The application can be made entirely online, with no need to visit a physical branch in person.

Check out the step-by-step guide to obtaining the benefit:

  1. Access the portal meu.inss.gov.br;
  2. Log in with your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) and password;
  3. In the main menu, select “Appointments/Requests”;
  4. Search for "Maternity Pay";
  5. Choose the option that corresponds to your case;
  6. Fill out the electronic form;
  7. Attach the scanned documents;
  8. Submit the request and await review.

Note: The progress can also be followed by calling 135 or through the Meu INSS app.

✅How much will I receive as a benefit?

The maternity allowance will be at least R$1,621 per month (minimum wage), totaling at least R$6,484 over the 4 months of the benefit! Furthermore, the amount will depend on the insured woman's category. Employees with formal employment contracts can receive the same amount as their monthly salary during the leave period if they meet all the requirements, generally for 120 days. And the payment will be made directly by the company if she has a formal employment contract. It is worth noting that if the salary is higher than the minimum wage, she may receive up to a maximum of R$8,475.55 per month , depending on the mother's salary during leave.

✅Who is eligible for maternity benefits in 2026?

Anyone who contributes to the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) may be entitled to the benefit, regardless of whether they have a formal employment relationship, as long as they meet the established criteria.

1. Female workers with formal employment contracts (CLT)

  • They are entitled to the benefit without a minimum contribution period requirement;
  • The payment is made by the company, which subsequently receives reimbursement from the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute).

2. Rural workers (special insured persons)

  • They must provide proof of having worked in rural activities during the 12 months prior to childbirth or adoption;
  • They do not need to pay individual contributions, but it will be necessary to demonstrate that they were involved in rural activity and provide proof of that activity.

3. Individual taxpayers, optional contributors, and MEIs (Micro Individual Entrepreneurs)

  • Until 2024, it was mandatory to have at least 10 monthly contributions.
  • Starting in 2025, according to the new INSS regulation (IN 188/25), a single valid contribution prior to the triggering event (birth, adoption, or abortion) is sufficient to guarantee the right to the benefit.

✅List of Required Documents for Application

The list of required documents for the application may vary depending on the insured person's category. Check which personal documents are needed:

  • Guardianship or adoption document (when there has been no birth);
  • Medical certificate in cases of miscarriage.
  • Proof of employment (for non-employed individuals)
  • Identity card or other official document with photo;
  • CPF;
  • Employment Permit (for employees with a CLT contract).
  • Documents related to the event
  • Baby's birth certificate or stillbirth certificate;
  • Payment slips or statements of contributions to the INSS (GPS or DAS-MEI);
  • Declaration of engaging in rural activity (special insured person);
  • Service contracts, invoices, or proof of registration as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take time off work to receive it?

Yes. The benefit presupposes time off from professional activities, including for self-employed workers.

Can I work and still get paid?

No. If it is proven that the employee was engaged in paid work during that period, the benefit may be canceled and the amounts may be refunded.

What should I do if my request is denied?

You can file an administrative appeal within 30 days; or seek legal advice to file a lawsuit for approval or review.

What is the minimum benefit amount?

The benefit will pay at least one minimum wage per month for at least 4 months (120 days).