New Regulation on Additional Maternity Leave and the Implementation of Temporary Incapacity Benefits

Under Article 1 of the provisional provisions of Law No. 7578 on Amendments to the Social Services Law and Certain Other Laws, it is stipulated that employees whose 24-week maternity period has not been completed as of April 1, 2026 may be granted up to 8 weeks of additional maternity leave, provided certain conditions are met.

In this context, it has been clarified whether the Social Security Institution (SSI) will pay temporary incapacity benefits during the additional leave period.

1. Employees whose postpartum sick leave is still ongoing

For insured employees whose postpartum sick leave has not yet ended as of May 1, 2026:

• The existing sick leave end dates will be
• Automatically extended by 8 weeks (56 days)
• Without the need for any application

Temporary incapacity benefits will continue to be paid during this additional period.

2. Employees whose postpartum sick leave has already ended

For insured employees whose postpartum sick leave ended before May 1, 2026:

• Provided that they were previously entitled to maternity insurance benefits, and
• If they use additional maternity leave under Law No. 7578,

Temporary incapacity benefits will be paid for the non-working days, not exceeding 8 weeks.

You can access the relevant circular here. (In Turkish)

You can access detailed information regarding Law No. 7578 on Amendments to Certain Laws, Particularly Maternity Leave, here.

Should you have any queries or need further details, please contact us.