More than 2,500 fathers and mothers of Extremadura have enjoyed paid leave for birth and child care in the first quarter of 2025

• From 2021, the benefit is equivalent for both parents: 16 weeks off and 100% off the quote base

Social Security processed 2,536 birth and child care benefits in Extremadura during the first quarter of 2025. Of these, 1,249 corresponded to the first parent, usually the mother, and 1,287 to the second, usually the father. These benefits have been financed by the Government of Spain for a total amount of 16,024,249 euros. In addition, 180 surpluses have been granted for family care.

These figures correspond to periods enjoyed between January and March of this year, so they do not exactly coincide with the number of benefits processed, since, for example, there are cases of benefits that could start the process in 2024 and part of them enjoyed in 2025. In the case of Extremadura, the processes processed in the first quarter of the year were 2,357. The average duration of the birth and childcare leave was 110.17 days.

The childbirth and childcare benefit is equivalent to the old maternity and paternity benefits in force and whose complete equalization is in force since 2021. From that date, the benefit is equal for both parents and is recognized as an individual and non-transferable right. This permit is for 16 weeks and 6 of them must be enjoyed immediately after childbirth or judicial or administrative resolution in case of adoption, custody or placement.

The amount of these benefits is equivalent to the contribution base for the month prior to childbirth, adoption, care or fostering, and is paid directly by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) during the weeks of the leave.

The National Social Security Institute offers the possibility to apply for the birth benefit electronically, through the portal Tu Seguridad Social (https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/) and in https://prestaciones.seg-social.es/servicio/prestacion-nacimientoadopcion-cuidado-menor.html?categoria=nacimiento-adopcion-embarazo Successive rest periods may also be requested electronically for the birth or care of the child, if the parents choose to divide the period.

Family Care Leave

Likewise, between January and March 2025, in Extremadura, a total of 180 family care surpluses were granted; of which 153 were requested by women and 27 by men.

Working people may apply for leave to care for children or foster children or for the care of other relatives. The first three years of leave to care for a foster child are considered an effective contributory period for the purposes of Social Security benefits for retirement, permanent disability, death and survival, maternity and paternity. The first year of leave to care for other family members is also considered to be actually paid for the purposes of these benefits.

More statistical information on the Social Security website: https://run.gob.es/yfla32c4