Maternity Leave (Decree): Eligibility and How to Calculate Payments

Every working woman experiencing the joy of pregnancy also feels concern about her future financial situation. "When should I leave work?", "How much money will I receive?", "Will my workplace wait for me?".

Maternity and childbirth leave, commonly known as "Dekret," is actually a legal right for every working mother. This period is protected by the state so that you can both rest and spend the first months with your baby comfortably.

In this article, we will set aside the complex language of legislation and explain your rights and the amount you can receive in a simple way.

To whom does maternity leave apply?

The main condition for receiving maternity leave and payments is having an official place of employment and making social insurance (DSMF) payments.

• Who can receive it: Women working under an official employment contract (regardless of whether it is the state or private sector).

• Who cannot receive it: Those working unofficially, housewives, or those operating with a VOEN (tax ID) who do not pay social insurance.

Note: If you do not work, you are not eligible for "dekret" money, but a "One-time allowance" of 600 AZN is given to everyone (regardless of whether they work or not).

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How many days can you rest? (Duration)

According to the Labor Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, maternity and childbirth leave is granted for a total of 126 calendar days:

• Before birth: 70 days (Starts approximately from the 30th week of pregnancy).

• After birth: 56 days.

Exceptions:

• Difficult birth (Cesarean) or Twins: If the birth was difficult (e.g., cesarean section) or if two or more children were born, the postpartum leave is extended to 70 days (Total 140 days).

How is maternity pay calculated?

This is the most interesting part: "How much money will I get?". The payment amount depends on your official salary and your social insurance history.

The allowance is paid in the amount of 100% of your average monthly earnings during the leave period (126 days).

Simple Calculation Formula:

• Average daily earnings: Divide the sum of official salaries received in the last 12 months by 30.4 (the average number of days in a month). (Roughly speaking, divide your salary by 30).

• Final amount: Multiply the resulting figure by 126 days.

Example:

Suppose your official salary (gross) is 1000 AZN.

• Daily earnings: 1000 / 30.4 ≈ 32.89 AZN

• Maternity pay: 32.89 x 126 days = 4144 AZN.

Important: No taxes are deducted from this amount and it is transferred to your card in full.

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Documentation process: What to do?

You must follow these steps to go on maternity leave:

• Doctor's certificate: At the 30th week of pregnancy (28th week for twins), you obtain a "Sick leave certificate" (Bulletin) from the Women's Consultation Center where you are registered.

• Submission to workplace: You present this certificate to the HR (Human Resources) department or accounting of your workplace.

• Electronic system: Your workplace enters the information into the electronic system.

• Payment: The money is not paid by the employer, but by the State Social Protection Fund (DSMF). The money is transferred directly to your card.

Is my job protected?

Yes! Legislation strictly protects pregnant women and mothers with children up to 3 years old.

• Cannot be fired: The employer cannot fire you during pregnancy or the maternity leave period.

• Position is held: You have the right to continue working in the same position and with the same salary upon returning from leave.

Partially paid social leave (Childcare)

You are not obliged to return to work after the 126-day maternity leave ends. If you wish, you can take "Partially paid social leave" until the child reaches 3 years of age.

• Amount: Unfortunately, this amount does not depend on salary and is fixed:

- Until the child reaches 1.5 years: 44 AZN per month.

- From 1.5 to 3 years: 28 AZN per month.

• Your workplace is also held for you during this period.

Maternity leave is not a break given to your career, but time you will devote to the most important "project" of your life – your child. Know your rights and make full use of them.

To calculate the exact amount you will receive, you can use the "Maternity Calculator" in the Anacan app. Just enter your salary, and the app will calculate the rest.