• From 2021, the benefit is equivalent for both parents: 16 weeks of leave and 100% of the contribution basis • The Council of Ministers has extended the leave to 19 weeks and 32 weeks, in the case of single-parent families

Social Security processed 4,960 birth and childcare benefits in Extremadura during the first half of 2025. Of these, 2,396 corresponded to the first parent, usually the mother, and 2,564 to the second, usually the father. These benefits have been financed by the Government of Spain for a total amount of 31,458,250 euros. In addition, 312 family care surpluses have been granted.

These figures correspond to periods enjoyed between January and June 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, 4,746 cases were processed in the first half of the year, of which 2,275 were women and 2,471 were men. The average duration of the birth and childcare leave was 110.42 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-cuidadomenor.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

Similarly, between January and June 2025, a total of 312 family care leave was granted in Extremadura, of which 270 were requested by women and 42 by men. This indicates a growth of 7.59% in the region compared to the same period of the previous year.

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.

The benefit goes from 16 to 19 weeks

The Council of Ministers yesterday approved the extension of the birth and childcare leave, which goes from 16 to 19 weeks, equal for mothers and fathers, non-transferable, with 100% coverage by Social Security.

From its entry into force, both parents will enjoy one more week of the child ' s birth and care leave, i.e. 17 weeks, during the child ' s first year of life or the administrative or judicial decision, in the case of reception or adoption. The obligation is maintained to enjoy six weeks immediately after the birth or judicial or administrative decision in cases of adoption, custody or fostering. The rest of the time can be arranged in successive periods, of at least one week in duration. In addition, both parents will be entitled to two more weeks of birth and childcare leave, which can be enjoyed until the child reaches the age of 8.

On the other hand, in the case of single-parent families, 80% consisting of women, the leave is doubled and will be of 32 weeks.

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