Debts and maternity benefit for self-employed individuals

To receive the maternity and childcare benefit, a self-employed individual must be registered with Social Security and meet the other required conditions (for example, if they are over 26 years old, they must have contributed for 180 days within the 7 years immediately preceding or, alternatively, 360 days throughout their working life). Additionally, they must be up to date with their payments.

If the self-employed individual has debts with the Treasury, Social Security will not automatically deny the benefit. When the self-employed individual applies for it, they will send a payment invitation to regularize their situation. From there:

• They must respond to that invitation within 30 calendar days. If they do, they will be considered up to date with payments and will retain their full right to the benefit.
• If they pay the owed contributions outside the 30 days granted, they will still have the right to the benefit, but will incur a financial penalty. Social Security will reduce the benefit by 20% (the reduction is definitive and, once applied, it cannot be removed, even if the self-employed individual later remains up to date with their obligations to Social Security).

Therefore, prior to childbirth, it is advisable for the self-employed individual to check for any outstanding contributions, missed deferrals, or debt claims notified by the Treasury. If so, they should regularize the situation before applying for the benefit. This will avoid delays in processing the file and the risk of losing part of the amount. In case they receive a payment invitation, it is advisable to immediately deposit the claimed amounts and keep the payment receipt. If the amounts are not deposited and the debt with Social Security is maintained, the benefit will not be recognized.

 

Our professionals will inform you about any questions you may have regarding Social Security benefits for self-employed individuals.