Italian Maternity Allowance INPS 2026: What Working Mothers Receive
The maternity allowance is the financial benefit paid by INPS to working women during compulsory leave for pregnancy and childbirth. In 2026, rules have been further refined, with amounts varying by employment type and additional protections for self-employed and freelance women.
If you are planning a pregnancy, start with the ovulation calculator to estimate the expected delivery date, key for organizing leave.
What Is the Maternity Allowance
The maternity allowance replaces salary during months when a working mother is required or chooses to abstain from work for:
- Pregnancy and childbirth (compulsory leave)
- Adoption and fostering
- Pregnancy interruption after the third month
It is compulsory for employees (cannot be waived) and is taxed under IRPEF as employment income.
Duration of Maternity Leave
The maternity leave totals 5 months, distributable in three modes:
Traditional Mode (2 + 3)
- 2 months before delivery (from 7th month of pregnancy)
- 3 months after delivery
Flexibility (1 + 4)
- 1 month before delivery
- 4 months after delivery
- Requires medical certificate confirming no risks
Postponed Maternity (0 + 5)
- 0 months before delivery (work until delivery day)
- 5 months after delivery
- Requires gynecologist and company doctor certification
In case of premature birth, days not used before delivery are added to the post-delivery period.
Maternity Allowance Amount
Employees
INPS pays 80% of average daily salary from the month preceding leave. Many CCNL agreements top up to 100% via the employer.
Practical Calculation
Anna works as employee with €2,000 monthly gross salary:
- Daily average salary: €2,000 / 30 = €66.67
- INPS daily allowance: €66.67 × 80% = €53.33
- Monthly INPS allowance: €53.33 × 30 = €1,600
- If CCNL tops up to 100%: employer adds €400/month
- Total received: €1,600-2,000 gross/month for 5 months
Self-Employed Workers
For artisans, traders, farmers:
- 80% of annually-set minimum income
- For 2026: about €57/day (€1,710/month)
- Paid for 5 months regardless of actual work cessation
"Gestione Separata" Members
For professionals and VAT-registered freelancers:
- 80% of 1/365 of last 12 months work income
- Minimum: minimum INPS income (2026: €18,555)
- Maximum: 5/12 of INPS ceiling (about €19,500/month at highest rates)
Domestic Workers
- 80% of contractual hourly wage
- Also paid during optional leave until child's first birthday
Eligibility Requirements
Employees
- Active employment relationship at start of leave
- At least one day of effective work before abstention period
- Includes apprentices, home workers, cooperative members
Unemployed (NASpI Recipients)
If you are receiving NASpI during maternity leave, the maternity allowance temporarily suspends NASpI, with amount equal to 80% of last contributory salary.
Self-Employed and Gestione Separata
- Active registration
- At least 3 months of contributions in 12 months prior to leave (gestione separata)
- Regular contribution position (artisans, traders)
2026 Additional Protections
Compulsory Paternity Leave
Working fathers entitled to 10 days compulsory leave at 100% pay within 5 months of birth.
Working Mother Bonus
2026 confirms decontribution up to €3,000/year for working mothers with 2+ children (one under 10). Equates to net salary increase of €80-150/month.
Optional Parental Leave
Each parent entitled to 10 months optional leave until child's 12th birthday:
- First 3 months: 80% allowance (until age 6)
- Subsequent months: 30% allowance (sometimes 0%)
How to Apply
Online Procedure
- Access INPS website with SPID, CIE or CNS
- Go to "Maternity/Paternity Application"
- Fill in personal and contractual data
- Attach medical pregnancy certificate with expected delivery date
- Provide IBAN for crediting
- Confirm and submit
Timing
- Application must be submitted before leave start
- Payment within 30-60 days of abstention start
- For employees, employer advances INPS amount in payslip
Required Documents
- Identity document
- Tax code
- IBAN for crediting (if not advanced by employer)
- Telematic medical pregnancy certificate
- For self-employed: last 3 contribution payment receipts
- For gestione separata: updated contributory statement
Taxation and Compatibility
IRPEF Taxation
Maternity allowance forms part of taxable income as employment income, taxed under standard IRPEF rates: 23% up to €28,000, 35% from €28,001 to €50,000, 43% over €50,000.
Compatibility
The allowance is cumulable with: Universal Family Allowance, working mother bonus (2+ children), childcare bonus, dependent children deductions (over 21). NOT cumulable with NASpI (suspended) and other income substitution allowances.
Comparison Table by Category
| Category | Amount | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee | 80% salary | 5 months | Often topped up to 100% by CCNL |
| Apprentice | 80% salary | 5 months | Same as employee |
| Domestic worker | 80% conventional hourly | 5 months | Calculated on weekly hours |
| Artisan/trader | 80% min wage (~€57/day) | 5 months | Even if work continues |
| Farmer | 80% agricultural minimum | 5 months | Per INPS declaration |
| Gestione Separata | 80% of 12-month income | 5 months | Min 3 months contribution |
| Unemployed NASpI | 80% contributory salary | 5 months | Suspends NASpI |
Common Mistakes
- Submitting application after birth: must be before leave start (at least 1 month before)
- Forgetting telematic certificate issued by gynecologist within days of diagnosis
- Underestimating flexibility risk: many choose 1+4 without calculating health risk
- Not verifying contributions: for self-employed and gestione separata, missing contributions = no allowance
- Ignoring complementary bonuses: family allowance, childcare bonus, mother decontribution
FAQ
Can I work during maternity leave?
No, abstention is compulsory for employees. For self-employed it is allowed (but not recommended for health), and the allowance is paid anyway.
What if I'm fired during pregnancy?
Pregnancy-period dismissal is null. The worker can request reinstatement via the Territorial Labor Inspectorate.
Does it apply to adoption?
Yes, with identical duration and amount for national and international adoptions, starting from minor's family entry.
Can I extend leave for twins?
No, leave stays at 5 months, but subsequent optional parental leave is doubled.
When leave ends, do I have right to return to the same role?
Yes. The worker has the right to return to the same position and duties, with strengthened protection until child's first birthday.
Conclusion
The INPS maternity allowance is a fundamental protection for every Italian working woman, but differences between employees, self-employed, and gestione separata require attention. Combined with mother bonuses, family allowance, and parental leave, it can guarantee stable income throughout the child's first year.
Plan ahead: use the ovulation calculator to estimate delivery date and the accrued vacation calculator to organize work return.
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