In simple terms
Maternity pay (декретные) is a benefit an expectant mother receives for maternity leave (отпуск по беременности и родам). It is paid in one lump sum for the whole leave. The amount is 100% of average earnings; length of service does not affect it (if it is more than 6 months).
The benefit is paid by the Social Fund of Russia directly to your card. The employer only sends information to the fund after an electronic sick note for pregnancy has been issued and you have applied for leave.
How long maternity leave lasts
- 140 days — normal birth (70 before and 70 after);
- 156 days — complicated birth;
- 194 days — if two or more children are expected.
Leave usually starts from the 30th week of pregnancy (from the 28th for multiple pregnancy). You do not have to work during this time, but the benefit is paid only for days when you do not work.
Formula
Maternity pay = (Income for 2 years / (730 − Excluded days)) × Leave days
In 2026, income for 2024 and 2025 is taken — everything on which insurance contributions were paid. Each year counts only up to the cap: 2,225,000 ₽ for 2024 and 2,759,000 ₽ for 2025. Excluded days are sick leave, previous maternity leave and childcare leave.
| Indicator | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Maximum average daily earnings | 6,827.40 ₽ |
| Maximum for 140 days | 955,836 ₽ |
| Minimum average daily earnings (from the minimum wage) | 890.73 ₽ |
| Minimum for 140 days | 124,702.20 ₽ |
The minimum is calculated from the minimum wage (МРОТ, MROT): 27,093 × 24 / 730 = 890.73 ₽ a day. It is paid if your actual earnings were lower or you had none.
Calculate it yourself
Change the numbers and the step-by-step calculation updates instantly. Russian rules for 2026.
Example calculation
Income for 2024 was 600,000 ₽, for 2025 — 720,000 ₽, no sick leave. A normal birth, 140 days.
(600,000 + 720,000) / 730 = 1,808.22 ₽ a day; 1,808.22 × 140 = 253,150.80 ₽
This is above the minimum, so 253,150.80 ₽ will be paid. Personal income tax (НДФЛ, NDFL) is not withheld from maternity pay — this full amount will arrive on your card. Check your own case in the maternity pay and benefits calculator.
How to avoid mistakes
- If in 2024 or 2025 you were on maternity or childcare leave, you can replace those years with earlier ones — when that is more favourable.
- With less than 6 months of service, the benefit is capped at the minimum wage per month.
- Non-working full-time students receive maternity pay from their place of study, based on their stipend; other non-working women do not receive it — the unified allowance exists for them.
- After maternity pay you can apply for the childcare allowance up to 1.5 years and the one-off birth grant.
In Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus
Russia
Paid directly by the Social Fund (Federal Law No. 255-FZ). In 2026, for 140 days — from 124,702.20 ₽ to 955,836 ₽. Personal income tax (НДФЛ) is not withheld.
Kazakhstan
Social payment for pregnancy and childbirth from the State Social Insurance Fund (ГФСС, GFSS): 126 days, 140 for complicated births or twins. 10% pension contributions are withheld from it.
Belarus
Pregnancy and childbirth benefit from the Social Protection Fund (ФСЗН, FSZN) — 100% of average daily earnings for 126 days (140 for complicated births or twins); length of service does not matter.
Sources: Social Fund of Russia («Социальный фонд России»), Gosuslugi, the government services portal («Госуслуги»)