How much does a self-employed worker receive?

The allowance is calculated on a daily basis: for those enrolled in the Gestione Separata it equals 80% of 1/365 of the previous year's taxable income. INPS sets annual maximum and minimum amounts.

Can I work during maternity leave?

No. During mandatory leave, any work activity is prohibited.

What happens in case of premature birth?

Days not taken before birth are added to the post-birth period, always guaranteeing a total of 5 months of leave.

Is maternity leave different from parental leave?

Yes. Maternity leave is mandatory (5 months at 80%). Parental leave is optional (up to 6 months each for both parents, at 30% of salary) and can be used until the child is 12.

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Maternity allowance

Maternity leave lasts 5 months (2 months before birth and 3 after, or 1 month before and 4 after). The allowance is 80% of salary for employees. Self-employed workers and those enrolled in the Separate Management fund receive a flat-rate amount calculated by INPS.

Authority

INPS

Time

30 min

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓SPID, CIE or CNS
✓Doctor's pregnancy certificate (with expected due date)
✓Your bank account IBAN
✓Employer's tax code (employees only)

Step-by-step procedure

Notify your employer

Hand your employer the medical pregnancy certificate with the expected due date at least 3 months before the start of leave. Your employer is required to keep your position for up to 1 year of the child's life.

This step does not apply to self-employed workers or those enrolled in the Separate Management fund.

Choose how to use your leave

Standard: 2 months before birth and 3 after. Flexible: 1 month before and 4 after, if the doctor certifies no health risks and the employer agrees.

Submit the application to INPS

Log in to inps.it with SPID or CIE. Go to Benefits and services > Maternity leave and fill in the online form (MAT-DIPENDENTI for employees, or the Gestione Separata form for self-employed). Enter the medical certificate and your bank details.

You can also apply through a patronage office (CAF, INCA, ACLI) free of charge.

Receive the allowance

For employees: the employer advances the amount in the payslip and then recovers it from INPS. For self-employed and Gestione Separata: INPS credits the allowance directly to your IBAN, usually within 30 days of approval.

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Domanda maternità online su INPS

INPS

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

INPS

Phone

803.164

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.