Miscarriage Special Leave Benefit

01/02/2026 | Latest News

Overview

This benefit provides paid special leave for employees or self-employed individuals in Malta who experience a miscarriage within the first twenty-two (22) weeks of pregnancy. Employers can claim reimbursement for wages paid during this leave. Self-employed individuals receive a direct payment.

What you’ll get

Employees: Up to seven (7) days of paid leave for miscarriage.
Self-employed: One week’s pay at the national average wage.
Employers: Reimbursement for seven (7) days or one (1) week of the employee’s basic wage.
Both partners: If both are eligible, both can apply.

How does the application process work?

A medical doctor (Family Doctor, Obstetrician or Consultant) initiates the application online.
The Employer/Self-employed (and the spouse/partner’s employer, if applicable) receives an email notification to complete the claim.
Employers/Self-employed must submit their part of the application within three (3) months of the miscarriage.

Eligibility

The applicant must be a prospective parent and the miscarriage must occur within the first twenty-two (22) weeks of pregnancy.
Both employees and self-employed individuals can apply.
Both spouse/partners can apply if eligible.
Applicants must be Maltese/EU citizens or their spouses residing in Malta. If the miscarriage happens abroad, a foreign doctor’s certificate is required.
Public sector employees do not apply online but must coordinate with their HR department.
The benefit can be claimed more than once, even in the same year.

Who is not eligible?

Employees on unpaid leave.
Employees working on a casual basis who are exempted from paying Social Security Contributions.
Self-employed persons who are exempted from paying Social Security. Contributions or who have not paid at least twenty (20) Social Security contributions in the last two (2) years preceding the miscarriage.
Expatriates not paying Social Security Contributions in Malta.

Documentation Required

A foreign doctor’s certificate is required, if the miscarriage happens abroad.
Valid email addresses for employers (or personal email for self-employed individuals).
Employees: Social Security Contribution receipts (past year) and last three (3) payslips.
Self-employed: Class 2 receipts showing at least twenty (20) contributions in the last two (2) years.