Maternity and paternity leave and subsidies in Uruguay
Having a child gives you paid leave and BPS subsidies: 98 days for maternity, days for paternity, and a newborn-care subsidy. Even for the self-employed — with official sources.
A child's arrival comes with rights many don't fully know: paid leave and BPS subsidies that replace your salary. And they aren't only for employees: they also cover independents and monotributistas. Here's the full picture.
Maternity subsidy
It's the benefit the mother receives during her leave. Per the BPS:
Per the BPS:
«Es una prestación económica que ampara a la trabajadora durante su licencia maternal.»
In English: It is an economic benefit that protects the worker during her maternity leave.
BPS — Maternity subsidyhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/11371/subsidio-por-maternidad.htmlOn the duration:
«El subsidio es sustitutivo del salario y cubre los 98 días de licencia (pre y posparto).»
In English: The subsidy substitutes the salary and covers the 98 days of leave (pre and post partum).
BPS — Maternity subsidyhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/11371/subsidio-por-maternidad.htmlPaternity subsidy
The father also has paid leave. For dependent workers it's 13 days from the birth (3 borne by the company and 10 paid by the BPS); for non-dependents, 10 days paid by the BPS. It's a right, not a favour.
BPS — Paternity subsidyhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/8958/subsidio-por-paternidad.htmlNewborn-care subsidy
When maternity leave ends there's a third benefit: the care subsidy, which lets you work half-time while receiving a substitute subsidy, extending until the baby is six months old. The father and mother can alternate it.
BPS — Newborn-care subsidyhttps://www.bps.gub.uy/11441/subsidio-para-cuidados-del-recien-nacido.htmlAlso for independents and monotributo
The key point for our audience: these subsidies aren't exclusive to employees. They reach non-dependent workers and collaborating spouses in Industry & Commerce or rural sectors (with up to one dependent), and holders or collaborating spouses of monotributo businesses. If you work for yourself, it's worth knowing them.
Care System — Leave and newborn-care subsidyhttps://www.gub.uy/sistema-cuidados/politicas-y-gestion/hacer-uso-licencias-paternidad-maternidad-subsidio-cuidados-recien-nacidosAt a glance
| Benefit | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Maternity | 98 days of leave (pre and post partum) |
| Paternity | 13 days (dependent) / 10 (non-dependent) |
| Newborn care | Half-time until 6 months |
| Self-employed? | Yes (monotributo and others, with conditions) |
In short: maternity (98 days), paternity and newborn care are BPS subsidies that replace your salary, and reach independents and monotributistas too. File them on time and verify your situation with the BPS.