Maternity Protection Calculator
Calculate the start and end of maternity protection periods before and after birth. With current 2026 standard rates, allowances and eligibility check.
Details
Start of Maternity Leave
Saturday, 26 September 2026
6 weeks before due date
End of Maternity Leave
Saturday, 2 January 2027
8 weeks after delivery
Protection Before Birth
6 weeks
from 26/09/2026
Protection After Birth
8 weeks
Standard protection
Total Duration
14 weeks
98 days
Note: The protection period before birth is 6 weeks (work can continue if desired). After birth, there is an absolute employment ban of 8 weeks (12 weeks for premature and multiple births). As of: 2026.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does maternity protection last?
Maternity protection runs from 6 weeks before the expected due date until 8 weeks after birth (12 weeks for premature or multiple births). During this time, you have dismissal protection and a work prohibition.
Can I work during maternity protection?
Before birth, you can explicitly choose to work. After birth, there is an absolute 8-week work prohibition with no exceptions. During this time, you receive maternity benefit at full net pay.
Are 2026 standard rates reflected?
Yes — Bürgergeld, child benefit (€255/child), Wohngeld and other social benefits are all set to 2026 rates. Source: Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) and German social code (SGB).
Guide
Quick Answer
The maternity protection calculator computes the protection periods before and after birth based on the expected due date.
What is the Maternity Protection Calculator?
The maternity protection calculator computes the protection periods before and after birth based on the expected due date.
How does the Maternity Protection Calculator work?
Enter the expected due date. The calculator computes the start of the protection period (6 weeks before) and the end (8 weeks after birth). For premature or multiple births the post-natal period extends to 12 weeks.
Key Data and Facts
Protection period: 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth. Extension to 12 weeks for premature births, multiple births or disability. Dismissal protection during pregnancy.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the maternity protection periods step by step: 1. Enter the calculated due date: The expected date of delivery according to the medical certificate. 2. Calculate the start of the protection period: 6 weeks before the calculated date. During this time the pregnant woman is not allowed to work, unless she expressly declares her willingness to do so. 3. Calculate the end of the protection period: 8 weeks after the actual birth. In the case of a premature birth, a multiple birth or a confirmed disability: 12 weeks after the birth. In the case of a premature birth: additionally the days that were not taken before the birth. 4. Protection against dismissal: During the entire pregnancy and up to 4 months after the birth. 5. Maternity benefit: 13 EUR/day from the health insurance fund + an employer top-up up to the full net salary. 6. Employment ban: An absolute ban during the protection periods. An individual or general ban also outside these periods in the event of a risk.
Calculation Example
Calculated due date: 15.06.2026. Start of protection period: 04.05.2026 (6 weeks prior). End of protection period: 10.08.2026 (8 weeks after birth). Total duration: 14 weeks.
Sources · E-E-A-T
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
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