The Social Security processed 1,558 cases of birth and child care benefits from January to June of this year in La Rioja, a figure similar to that which occurred during the same period of 2022 with 1,577 benefits in this modality in the autonomous community.
Of the total number of cases in the first semester of 2023, 701 corresponded to the first parent, usually the mother, and 857, to the second parent, usually the father. The average duration of the processes for the first parent in the cases of biological maternity is 105.05 days in La Rioja.
The cost associated in La Rioja with this benefit was 10,916,330 euros between January and June 2023 compared to 10,819,083 euros during the first six months of 2022.
The childbirth and childcare benefit, which replaced the old maternity and paternity benefits, came into force on January 1, 2021 and has meant the complete equalization of both. Currently, the leave is 16 weeks for both parents and is recognized as an individual and non-transferable right. Of the 16 weeks, six of them must be enjoyed immediately after childbirth or judicial or administrative resolution in cases of adoption, custody or placement. The rest of the time can be arranged in successive periods.
The amount of these benefits is equivalent to the base of contributions for common contingencies in the month prior to childbirth, adoption, custody or fostering, and is paid directly by the National Social Security Institute (INSS) during the weeks of the leave.
The National Institute of Social Security offers the possibility of applying for the birth benefit telematically, through the portal Tu Seguridad Social (https://sede.seg-social.gob.es/) and through the form in https://tramites.seg-social.es/acceso/prestacion-nacimiento-cuidado-menor.html
Successive rest periods may also be requested electronically for the birth or care of the child, if the parents choose to divide the period.
Child, Foster or Family Child Care Leave
On the other hand, the number of family care surpluses discharged in the first half of the year was 254, of which 218 corresponded to women, 85.8%, and 36 to men, equivalent to 14.2%.
The number of surpluses in La Rioja has increased by 35.83% compared to the same period of the year 2022, with an increase of 67.