The maternity benefit Nepal SSF provides is one of the most practical protections for working parents: paid maternity leave and support around childbirth, delivered through the Social Security Fund (Samajik Suraksha Kosh, SSF). New mothers often worry about lost income during leave — this scheme is designed to soften that blow. This guide explains how SSF and employer payments work together, the 98-day leave, what delivery and newborn care involves, and how to claim.
As of July 2026. Rules may change — verify on ssf.gov.np.
For context, see our pillar on what SSF Nepal is and the broader medical and maternity benefits guide.
How maternity benefit Nepal SSF fits together
The maternity benefit Nepal SSF offers sits within the medical, health and maternity scheme (funded by the 1.20% medical share, out of the 31% total contribution). It combines paid leave with delivery-related medical support. Because maternity in Nepal involves both labour-law entitlements and SSF provisions, it helps to see them as complementary: the SSF scheme provides its share of the payment during leave, and employer obligations under labour rules may interact with it. Always confirm the current split on ssf.gov.np.
The 98-day leave and 60% payment
Under the Labour Act 2074, the employer gives at least 60 days of fully paid maternity leave. For the leave taken beyond that paid period, SSF pays the contributor 60% of her basic remuneration, after deducting the contribution that keeps her medical, accident and dependent-family cover running. The paid days and the SSF days together cannot exceed 98 days (SSF Operation Procedure, section 7(2)). This leave payment is counted outside the NPR 1 lakh yearly medical limit (section 7(3)). Updated 7 November 2026: corrected to the SSF Operation Procedure (5th amendment).
| Element | Detail | |
|---|---|---|
| Leave duration | 98 days in total, including the employer’s 60 paid days | |
| Payment rate during leave | SSF pays 60% of basic remuneration for the days beyond the employer’s paid leave | |
| Scheme | Medical, health & maternity (1.20% share) | |
| Funding split (SSF vs employer) | Employer: at least 60 days fully paid. SSF: the rest, up to 98 days in total | |
| Delivery medical support | Included, inside the NPR 1 lakh a fiscal year that SSF pays for OPD, inpatient and maternity treatment combined (see how the limits add up) |
Delivery coverage and newborn care
Beyond the income during leave, the scheme supports delivery-related medical care as part of the maternity and medical benefits. Coverage for the delivery itself and associated care helps manage hospital costs at a time when a family’s expenses are rising. Because the exact delivery and newborn-care limits are set by the fund and can change, confirm the current entitlements on ssf.gov.np, and keep every medical bill and report for your claim. Updated 7 November 2026: corrected to the SSF Operation Procedure (5th amendment).
How to claim maternity benefits
- Confirm you meet the qualifying contribution period for maternity benefits.
- Inform your employer and arrange your maternity leave in line with the rules.
- Collect all medical documentation for the pregnancy and delivery.
- File the maternity claim through sosys.ssf.gov.np or via your employer.
- Provide bank details and track the claim on the portal, responding to any requests.
Maternity claims work best when your contributions and KYC are already in order. Our medical benefits guide covers the wider scheme, and Digital Solution’s SSF KYC and contribution service can help you prepare and file.
Making the most of maternity benefit Nepal SSF
The maternity benefit Nepal SSF provides means a new mother does not have to choose between recovering with her baby and protecting the household income. Plan ahead: keep your contributions current so you meet the qualifying period, understand how the 98-day leave and 60% payment apply to you, and gather your documentation early. Confirm the current figures and funding split on the official portal, and this scheme will support your family exactly when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is maternity leave under SSF in Nepal?
Maternity leave is 98 days in total. The employer pays at least the first 60 days in full under the Labour Act 2074, and SSF pays 60% of basic remuneration for the rest of the leave, so the two together never exceed 98 days (SSF Operation Procedure, section 7(2)). Keeping your contributions current ensures you meet the qualifying period for the benefit.
How much am I paid during maternity leave?
For the days beyond the employer’s paid leave, SSF pays 60% of your basic remuneration, after deducting the contribution that keeps your medical, accident and dependent-family cover running. The employer pays at least 60 days in full. The intent is to give a new mother meaningful income support rather than leaving her without pay during leave. To receive it smoothly, meet the qualifying contribution period, keep your KYC current, and prepare your medical documentation before filing the claim.
Does SSF cover delivery costs?
Yes, delivery-related medical care is supported as part of the medical, health and maternity scheme, helping manage hospital costs around childbirth. The exact coverage and limits for delivery and newborn care are set by the fund and can change, so confirm the current entitlements on ssf.gov.np. Keep every medical bill, report, and prescription related to the pregnancy and delivery, since your claim depends on complete documentation. Meeting the qualifying contribution period is also necessary to access the benefit.
Do both SSF and my employer pay?
Maternity in Nepal involves both SSF provisions and employer obligations under labour rules, and these can interact so that the overall entitlement is delivered through a combination rather than one source alone. Under the SSF Operation Procedure, the employer pays at least 60 days of fully paid maternity leave and SSF pays 60% of basic remuneration for the remaining days, up to 98 days in total. Ask your employer’s HR to confirm how many paid days your contract or collective agreement gives.
Get expert SSF help
Need help with SSF registration, claims, or payroll compliance? Digital Solution (Pokhara) handles SSF registration, monthly contribution management, and claim support for businesses and individuals. Contact us via digitalsolutionnepal.com or visit our office.
Rabin Paudel
Rabin Paudel is the Founder of Digital Solution, a Content Creator, and an AI Trainer. He shares practical and easy-to-understand content on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Literacy, Online Services, FinTech, and Technology. His mission is to make technology simple, accessible, and useful for everyone.
View all posts by Rabin Paudel →