Those who work on their own or with collaborative contracts often think they are not entitled to same protections provided for employees. But no: even for the freelancers registered with the INPS Separate Management they exist maternity and paternity benefitsrecognized in the presence of certain requirements. INPS itself reminds us of this in a dedicated guide, which sheds light on an often little-known topic, but of great importance for those who work without a “permanent job”.
Who can request it
You are entitled to maternity or paternity pay:
who is registered in the Separate Management INPS;
Who does not receive a pension;
Who is not already covered by another compulsory insurance (for example employees who also have a self-employed business);
Who has paid at least one month’s contributions to the Separate Management in the 12 months preceding the event.
In the case of collaborators, INPS specifies that the compensation is due anywayeven if the client has not paid the contributions, thanks to the principle of automaticity of performance. However, it is different for freelancers, who always remain responsible for their own payments.
How long does the maternity period last?
The standard period covered by the allowance is five months: two before the expected date of birth and three after the birth of the baby, plus the day of birth itself.
Unlike what happens for employees, It is not mandatory to abstain from work: the choice is free, and the right to financial support remains guaranteed.
In case of serious complications of pregnancy or working conditions deemed risky, the Local Health Authority or the Territorial Labor Directorate may dispose of an early or prolonged banwhich instead forces the suspension of activity. In these situations, motherhood can last up to seven months after the birth of his son.
Flexibility and special cases
The allowance can be flexibly modulated. The mother, for example, can choose to start the period one month earlier of childbirth (then obtaining four months after birth), or to move the entire leave in the following five months. Even in this case, there is no need to stop working.
Then there is another possibility: who declared in the year preceding maternity an income of less than 9,456.53 euros (value 2025) can ask three additional months of compensation after the ordinary period.
What about freelance fathers?
Unfortunately, protection remains here more limited. Paternity leave is due only in special cases: if the mother is deceased, seriously ill, has abandoned her child or if custody is exclusive to the father.
In these cases, the period covered coincides with the one not used by the mother (or three months after giving birth if the mother does not work). The possibility also applies to fathers three extra months in case of low incomes. Abstention from work, here too, is not mandatory.
How much is the allowance worth and how to apply
The amount recognized is equal to 80% of 1/365 of taxable income for contribution purposes, calculated on the basis of payments made.
The payment takes place directly from INPSby bank or postal transfer. Please note: the right to compensation expires one year after the end of the covered period.
The request presents itself online on the INPS portalwith Spid, Cie or Cns credentials.
It is advisable to forward it before two months before giving birthbut no later than one year after the end of the indemnifiable period.
The medical certificate of pregnancy must be sent by the doctor to the INPS electronicallywhile the child’s date of birth must be communicated within 30 days from childbirth.