Maternity Benefit

Maternity Benefit

This benefit is payable to insured women before or after confinement or to a husband whose wife cannot qualify on her own. Maternity Benefit is divided into two categories:

  1. Maternity Allowance
  2. Maternity Grant

A woman is entitled to both the Allowance and Grant; however, the husband can only qualify for the Grant.

  • Complete a Maternity Benefit Claim Form on the NIS Web Portal my.nisgrenada.org.
  • CLICK HERE  to download a Checklist when applying for Maternity Benefit.

A benefit paid to employed/self-employed woman while on maternity leave or to a husband whose wife cannot qualify on her own.

Two (2) types of Maternity Benefit are paid by the NIS:

  1. Maternity Allowance
  2. Maternity Grant

An employed/self-employed woman is entitled to both the Allowance and Grant. However, the husband can only qualify for the Grant.

  1. Maternity Allowance claims must be made within three (3) months after the date of birth of the baby or can be made up to 6 weeks before the expected date of delivery.
  2. Maternity Grant claim must be made within three (3) months after the date of birth of the baby.

To qualify for a Maternity Allowance, the woman must:

  • Be employed or self-employed.
  • Be registered with the NIS for at least seven (7) months.
  • Have at least five (5) months’ contributions immediately before the baby’s date of birth or expected due date.
  • Be between age 16 and current pensionable age.
  • Be losing wages.

To qualify for a Maternity Grant, the woman or her husband must:

  • Be registered with the NIS.
  • Have at least twelve (12) months contributions.
  • Be between 16 and 61 years (current pensionable age).
  1. Maternity Allowance is paid at a rate of 65% of the woman’s average salary (insurable earnings).
  2. Maternity Grant is lump sum payment of $522.

Maternity Allowance is paid for a period of three (3) months.

A woman may be disqualified from receiving a Maternity Benefit if she:

  1. Receives her full salary and/or works while on maternity leave.
  2. Fails to take care of her health or to answer reasonable enquiries from the NIS
  3. Fails to attend or submit one’s self for medical or other examination.
  4. Does not submit the claim within the time frame specified