Calculation of Maternity Allowance in 2013
Introduction
When it comes to the birth of a new family member, the preparations are multiple and involve not only emotional but also financial aspects. One of the crucial aspects for mothers in Romania concerns the maternity allowance - a financial support given by the state to help the family adapt to the new changes. In this article, we aim to clarify how maternity benefit is calculated in 2013, giving mothers a clear picture of the financial support they can access.
The Legal Framework for Granting Maternity Allowance
It is important to understand that maternity allowance in Romania is regulated by legislation and is based on certain definitive criteria. This financial support is available to any woman who has contributed to the state social insurance system and who is on maternity leave. In 2013, the legislation stipulates that the maternity allowance is calculated on the basis of the average gross income for the last 12 months, but it cannot exceed a maximum ceiling established annually.
Determination of the Calculation Base
The first step in calculating the maternity allowance is to determine the basis of calculation. This is done by adding up all the gross income you earned in the last 12 months before the month you start your maternity leave. Salaries are considered gross income, but also other types of income, such as premiums or compensations. This amount will be divided by 12 to obtain the monthly average that will be used to determine the maternity allowance.
Self-Said Calculation
After determining the average gross monthly income, we apply the 85% percentage on it to determine the effective allowance. If the average exceeds the maximum ceiling imposed by the legislator, the allowance will be equivalent to this ceiling. For example, if the monthly average is 3000 lei and the maximum ceiling is 3400 lei, the allowance will be 85% of 3000 lei, i.e. 2550 lei.
Exceptions and Specifications
In certain situations, such as sick leave or unexcused absences, these months may be excluded from the calculation of the average gross monthly income. Moreover, for mothers with their first child or who did not have a job before motherhood, there is a minimum ceiling guaranteed by the state, which in 2013 was set at 600 lei.
Important to Note
We must not forget that each mother must submit the application for the allowance, together with the supporting documents, to the employer or the institution to which she has contributed in the last 12 months. The application process must be initiated at least 30 days before the actual start of maternity leave.
Conclusion
Calculating maternity allowance may seem like a complicated process, but it is an important one for ensuring financial stability when a new family member is born. In essence, it is vital to understand that this allowance is a mother's right and an aid provided by the state to ease the transition to motherhood. We encourage mothers to inform themselves correctly, to collect all the necessary documents in time and to exercise their right to benefit from this allowance. If you have faced difficulties in calculating the maternity allowance or need more information, we invite you to visit our dedicated section on the website or subscribe to the newsletter for news and useful tips.
