Maternity Benefit Calculator — Know Your Entitlements in India
Calculate maternity leave duration and pay under the Maternity Benefit Act. Know your rights for paid maternity leave in India for 2026.
The Maternity Benefit Amendment Act 2017 provides one of the most generous maternity leave policies among developing nations. Women employees working in establishments with 10 or more workers are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children and 12 weeks for subsequent children. The pay during maternity leave is calculated based on your average daily wage for the 3 months preceding the leave. Understanding these entitlements helps expectant mothers plan their finances and assert their workplace rights.
How is maternity pay calculated in India?
Maternity pay is calculated as your average daily wage for the 3 months immediately before the date of delivery multiplied by the number of leave days. Average daily wage includes basic salary DA and all allowances but typically excludes overtime and bonuses. For salaried employees on monthly pay it essentially means full salary continuation for the leave period. The employer pays the full amount with no government contribution.
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Income Tax Calculator (India FY 2025-26)
How Tax Calculation Works
Income tax is calculated on your total taxable income after deducting eligible exemptions and deductions from your gross income. The tax is applied progressively — you pay a lower rate on initial income slabs and higher rates only on income that exceeds each threshold. This means moving into a "higher tax bracket" does not mean your entire income is taxed at the higher rate. Understanding marginal vs effective tax rate is crucial: your marginal rate applies only to the last rupee earned, while your effective rate is the average across all slabs.
Tax-Saving Strategies
Under the old regime, maximize deductions: Section 80C allows up to Rs 1.5 lakh through PPF, ELSS, EPF, and life insurance. Section 80D covers health insurance premiums up to Rs 25,000 (Rs 50,000 for senior citizens). Section 80CCD(1B) offers an additional Rs 50,000 deduction for NPS contributions. Home loan interest up to Rs 2 lakh is deductible under Section 24. Under the new regime, the Rs 75,000 standard deduction and lower slab rates may save you more if your total deductions are below Rs 3.75 lakh. Calculate under both regimes before choosing.
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid Leave (First 2 Children) | 26 weeks |
| Paid Leave (Third Child Onwards) | 12 weeks |
| Adoptive Mother Leave | 12 weeks |
| Work from Home Provision | Available after 26 weeks |
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How is maternity pay calculated in India?
Maternity pay is calculated as your average daily wage for the 3 months immediately before the date of delivery multiplied by the number of leave days. Average daily wage includes basic salary DA and all allowances but typically excludes overtime and bonuses. For salaried employees on monthly pay it essentially means full salary continuation for the leave period. The employer pays the full amount with no government contribution.
Can I be fired during maternity leave?
No it is illegal under the Maternity Benefit Act to dismiss a woman during maternity leave or to give her notice of discharge during this period. Additionally any change to her terms of service to her disadvantage during pregnancy is prohibited. If an employer violates these provisions they face imprisonment up to 3 months and a fine. The woman can approach the labor commissioner for redressal.
Is maternity benefit available for contract workers?
The Maternity Benefit Act applies to all women workers whether permanent temporary or contractual in establishments employing 10 or more persons. However the woman must have worked for at least 80 days in the 12 months preceding the expected delivery date to be eligible. For women in the unorganized sector the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides Rs 5000 in installments for the first living child.
Which tax regime should I choose — old or new?
Choose the new regime if your total deductions are below Rs 3.75 lakh. Choose the old regime if you claim HRA, 80C (Rs 1.5L), 80D, home loan interest, and NPS totaling more than Rs 3.75 lakh. Salaried employees can switch every year.
Is income up to Rs 12 lakh really tax-free?
Under the new regime for FY 2025-26, income up to Rs 12 lakh is effectively tax-free due to Section 87A rebate. After Rs 75,000 standard deduction, taxable income is Rs 11.25 lakh which qualifies for full rebate. However, income even slightly above Rs 12 lakh loses this entire benefit.
How can I save more tax legally?
Under the old regime, maximize 80C (Rs 1.5L via PPF, ELSS, EPF), 80D (Rs 25K-50K for health insurance), 80CCD(1B) (Rs 50K for NPS), HRA exemption, and home loan interest (Rs 2L under Section 24).
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Last updated: March 2026