Overview
Any pregnant woman who fulfils the criteria set out by the Social Security Act will be eligible to a Maternity Benefit.


Eligibility
A woman may be eligible to Maternity Benefit, if the following criteria are fulfilled:

1. Applicant is a citizen of Malta or married to a citizen of Malta, or is a citizen of a European Union Member State, or a citizen of a member country of the European Social Charter, or has a refugee status and is ordinarily resident in Malta or Gozo.

2. Applicant has to be in her eight month of pregnancy or has given birth to a child in the six months prior to the date of the claim.

3. Applicant must not have availed herself of maternity leave.


Procedure
When completed the application must reach the Department of Social Security when applicant reaches the 8th month of pregnancy and by not later than six months from the date of birth of the child. All sections of the form should be completed and where applicable form is to be signed by both parents. Payment is effected in two lump sums (if application is lodged before birth) and in one lump sum (if application is submitted after birth).


Documents Required
1. The applicant has to fill in an application form for Maternity Benefit.

2. If the claim is made before the child is born, the application is to be signed by a medical practioner confirming that the claimant has entered her eight month of pregnancy and
indicating the expectancy date.


Payment Method 
The Department of Social Security informs the applicant about the outcome of the claim.  Once awarded, Maternity Benefit is deposited into a bank account specified by the applicant.


Payment Dates
To check when is your next payment please click here.


How to apply?
You can call at any Social Security Office (view list here) and apply there.

Alternatively, you can download the application as indicated below:

Click here to print application in Maltese.
Click here to print application in English.