Check out now the simplified step-by-step guide to secure your maternity benefit and protect your income during your leave from work! You can continue earning for 4 months, and in some cases you'll be able to renew for up to 6 months! Check out the step-by-step guide now!
✅Step by step to request maternity benefit from INSS
The request can be made entirely online, with no need to attend a physical agency in person.
Check out the step-by-step guide to get the benefit:
- Access the portal meu.inss.gov.br;
- Log in with your CPF and password;
- In the main menu, select "Appointments/Requests";
- Search for "Maternity benefit";
- Choose the option that matches your situation;
- Fill out the electronic form;
- Attach scanned documents;
- Send the request and wait for the analysis.
NOTE: You can also track the progress by calling 135 or using the Meu INSS app.
✅What amount will I receive with the benefit?
The maternity benefit amount will be at least 1,621 reais per month (minimum wage), totaling at least 6,484 over the 4 months of the benefit! In addition, the amount will depend on the beneficiary's category. Employees with a signed employment contract can receive the same value as their monthly salary during the leave period if they meet all requirements, usually for 120 days. And payment will be made directly by the employer if you have a signed employment contract. It's worth noting that if the salary is higher than the minimum wage, she can receive up to a maximum of R$ 8,475.55 per month, according to the mother's salary while on leave.
✅Who can receive the maternity benefit in 2026?
Anyone who contributes to INSS can be eligible for the benefit, regardless of having a formal employment relationship, as long as they meet the established criteria.
1. Employees with a signed employment contract (CLT)
- Are entitled to the benefit with no minimum contribution history requirement;
- Payment is made by the employer, who later receives reimbursement from INSS.
2. Rural workers (special beneficiaries)
- Must prove performance of rural activity in the respective 12 months prior to delivery or adoption;
- Do not need to pay individual contributions, but will need to demonstrate that they worked in rural activity and provide proof of the work.
3. Individual contributors, optional contributors and MEIs
- Until 2024, it was mandatory to have at least 10 monthly contributions.
- Starting in 2025, according to the new INSS standard (IN 188/25), just one valid contribution before the triggering event (delivery, adoption or miscarriage) is enough to guarantee the right to the benefit.
✅List of necessary documents to request
The list of necessary documents to make the request may vary according to the beneficiary's category. Check which are the necessary personal documents:
- Guardianship or adoption document (when there is no birth);
- Medical certificate in cases of miscarriage.
- Proof of activity (for non-employees)
- ID or other official document with photo;
- CPF;
- Employment card (for employees with CLT employment contract).
- Documents related to the event
- Birth certificate of the baby or stillbirth certificate;
- INSS contribution slips or statements (GPS or DAS-MEI);
- Declaration of performance of rural activity (special beneficiary);
- Service contracts, invoices or proof of MEI registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stop working to receive it?
Yes. The benefit requires you to stop your professional activities, including for self-employed workers.
Can I work and keep receiving?
No. If you're proven to be engaged in paid work during the benefit period, the benefit may be canceled and the amounts can be charged back to you.
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 benefit 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).