Last week, the National Board of Health and Welfare announced that pregnant women between weeks 22 and 36 should be classified as a risk group as women with a covid infection risk giving birth prematurely.
The message would theoretically also mean that pregnant women, just like other risk groups who do not have the opportunity to work from home, would be entitled to compensation from the state if they are forced to stay home from work.
Until now, however, the government has delayed announcing whether pregnant women should also receive compensation.
Pregnancy allowance
- Since the National Board of Health and Welfare announced that there is a special risk for pregnant women, we have looked at what benefit can be used, says Ardalan Shekarabi.
- Today we can announce that the pregnancy allowance can be used by this group provided that the requirements of the law are met.
According to Ardalan Shekarabi, the employer should try to ensure that the pregnant woman can work from home as far as possible.
- If that alternative does not exist, there is this possibility for pregnant women so that you receive compensation during the time you are at home, he continues.
"From now on"
Maternity benefit is a special part of the health insurance which means that pregnant women can receive compensation if they are forced to stay at home for medical reasons.
The compensation is currently just over SEK 700 a day before tax and is paid by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
- This can be applied for from now on, says Ardalan Shekarabi.