Maternity benefit (PPM) 2026
This maternity benefit (PPM) calculator estimates the Czech maternity allowance for 2026 from your gross monthly salary. The benefit equals 70 % of the reduced daily assessment base and is paid by the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ), typically for 28 weeks. It helps expectant mothers (and fathers on PPM) estimate their daily and monthly income during maternity leave in advance. Amounts stay in CZK.
How maternity benefit (PPM) is calculated
Maternity benefit is based on the daily assessment base (DVZ), derived from earnings in the decisive period (simplified here from gross salary). The DVZ is then reduced using three reduction thresholds valid for 2026, and 70 % is taken from the reduced base. The resulting daily benefit is rounded up to whole crowns.
DVZ = gross salary × 12 / 365
Reduction: up to 1,633 CZK at 100 %, the 1,633–2,449 CZK band at 60 %, the 2,449–4,897 CZK band at 30 %, nothing above 4,897 CZK
Daily PPM = reduced DVZ × 70 % (rounded up)
- Derive the average daily earnings (DVZ) from the gross monthly salary.
- Adjust the DVZ using the three reduction thresholds.
- Take 70 % of the reduced base — that is the daily benefit.
- Multiply the daily benefit by the number of support days (28 weeks = 196 days).
Worked example step by step
Take an employee with a gross monthly salary of 35,000 CZK. The support period for one child is 28 weeks, i.e. 196 days.
| Step | Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daily assessment base (DVZ) | 35,000 × 12 / 365 | 1,150.68 CZK |
| 2 | Reduced DVZ | entirely in band 1, counted at 100 % | 1,150.68 CZK |
| 3 | Daily benefit (70 %) | round up(1,150.68 × 0.70) | 806 CZK |
| 4 | Monthly (≈ 30 days) | 806 × 30 | 24,180 CZK |
| 5 | Total for 28 weeks (196 days) | 806 × 196 | 157,976 CZK |
With a gross salary of 35,000 CZK the daily benefit is 806 CZK, about 24,180 CZK per month and roughly 157,976 CZK over the full 28 weeks. Because the DVZ is below the first reduction threshold, it counts at 100 % — for higher salaries the portions above the thresholds are trimmed, so the benefit grows more slowly.
What affects the result
- The gross salary in the decisive period — higher pay means a higher DVZ, but above the reduction thresholds the benefit rises only gradually.
- The reduction thresholds for the given year — they increase slightly each year, changing the final benefit.
- The length of the support period — 28 weeks for one child, 37 weeks for twins or more.
- The type of insured person — for the self-employed the base is the sum of monthly assessment bases on which sickness insurance was paid, not a gross salary.
- Meeting the insurance-participation conditions (generally at least 270 days in the last two years).
When the maternity calculation is useful and what to watch out for
The calculator gives a quick indicative estimate before you apply for the benefit at ČSSZ. The result is simplified: ČSSZ computes the actual DVZ from a specific decisive period (usually the 12 months before starting PPM) and from the real assessment base, not from a single monthly salary. It does not account for irregular income, concurrent jobs, excluded days or the individual situation of the self-employed. It also excludes the follow-on parental allowance, which is a separate benefit from the Labour Office. Always verify the exact amount with ČSSZ; the calculator does not replace an official decision.
⚠️ Indicative calculation, rates current for 2026. Not a substitute for an accountant or tax advisor — verify important decisions with the Czech Financial Administration.
FAQ
How much is maternity benefit on a 35,000 CZK gross salary?
About 806 CZK per day, roughly 24,180 CZK per month and around 157,976 CZK over the full 28-week support period. This is an indicative estimate before reduction based on the actual decisive period.
How long is maternity benefit (PPM) paid?
Normally 28 weeks (196 days) for one child. When two or more children are born at once, the period extends to 37 weeks.
What percentage of earnings is maternity benefit?
Maternity benefit is 70 % of the reduced daily assessment base. Unlike sickness benefit, the first reduction band is counted at 100 %.
What are the conditions for entitlement to PPM?
Generally at least 270 calendar days of sickness insurance in the last two years before starting PPM, and ongoing insurance (or a protection period) at the time of commencement.
When can I start maternity leave?
PPM usually starts between the 8th and 6th week before the expected date of birth; the exact date is chosen by the mother based on a doctor's confirmation.
Can I claim maternity benefit as a self-employed person?
Yes, if the self-employed person pays voluntary sickness insurance and meets the minimum participation condition. The calculation, however, uses the self-employed assessment bases, not an employee's gross salary.
Can the father also take PPM?
Yes, from the 7th week after birth the parents may swap on PPM if the father meets the sickness-insurance conditions. The benefit is then based on his assessment base.
Is maternity benefit the same as parental allowance?
No. Maternity benefit (PPM) is a sickness-insurance benefit from ČSSZ for a limited period. After it ends, the parental allowance follows, paid by the Labour Office and calculated differently.
Sources & legislation
📅 Last updated: 11 July 2026