Employees and employers both pay a maximum of 10% of a gross salary as Social Security Contributions (SSC). This covers social security payments in case of sickness, injury benefits, unemployment pay, pensions and child benefits (the latter is subject to a maximum salary cap). As long as you have paid into the system and are registered as a resident of Malta, you are eligible to claim these benefits. This should include non-EU nationals but you will need to contact the relevant department to check. Claims for things like sickness or injury benefit are time limited, so ensure that you act fast to submit a claim if you are not able to work.
Parental Leave
Both male and female workers have the individual right to be granted unpaid parental leave in case of birth, adoption, fostering or legal custody of a child to enable them to take care of that child for a period of four months until the child has attained the age of eight years. Parental leave can be availed of in established periods of one month each.
Maternity Leave
Working women are also entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, and may take an additional 4 weeks unpaid. They can work until the baby is born, but may start maternity leave two weeks before the due date. Women are also entitled to have time off work to attend prenatal appointments. Non-working women can get maternity benefit from the government.
Generally, you can take 2 weeks of sick leave per year, but it varies depending on where you work. You’ll need to provide a medical certificate. After 2 weeks, you may be entitled to sickness benefit from social security.
Can I get maternity leave?Women are entitled to 14 paid weeks of maternity leave and 4 weeks unpaid.