22(3)

22(3)(a) An insured woman shall be qualified to claim maternity benefits for a confinement occurring or expected to occur in a benefit period, if the contributions in respect of her were payable for not less than seventy days in the immediately preceding two consecutive contribution periods.

22(3)(b) Subject to the provisions of the Code and the regulations, if any, an insured woman who is qualified to claim maternity benefits in accordance with clause (a) shall be entitled to receive it at the daily rate specified in clause (e) for all days on which she does not work for remuneration during a period of twenty-six weeks of which not more than eight weeks shall precede the expected date of confinement: Provided that where the insured woman dies during her delivery or during the period immediately following the date of her delivery for which she is entitled to maternity benefits, leaving behind child in either case, the maternity benefits shall be paid for the whole of that period but if the child also dies during the said period, then, for the days up to and including the day of the death of the child, to the person nominated by the insured woman in the manner as specified in the regulations made under section 157, and if there is no such nominee, to her legal representative: Provided further that the insured woman shall be entitled to twelve weeks of maternity benefit from the date the child is handed over to the commissioning mother after birth or adopting mother, as the case may be: Provided also that the insured woman having two or more than two surviving children shall be entitled to receive maternity benefits during a period of twelve weeks of which not more than six weeks shall precede the expected date of confinement.

22(3)(c) An insured woman who is qualified to claim maternity benefits in accordance with clause (a) shall, in case of miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy, be entitled, on production of such proof, as may be required under the regulations made under section 157, to maternity benefits at the rates specified in clause (e ), for all days on which she does not work for remuneration during a period of six weeks immediately following the date of her miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy.

22(3)(d) An insured woman who is qualified to claim maternity benefits in accordance with clause (a) in case of sickness arising out of pregnancy, confinement, premature birth of child or miscarriage or medical termination of pregnancy shall, on production of such proof, as may be required under the regulations made under section 157, be entitled, in addition to the maternity benefits payable to her under any other provisions of the Chapter IV, for all days on which she does not work for remuneration to maternity benefits at the rates specified in the clause (e) for all days on which she does not work for remuneration during an additional period not exceeding one month.

22(3)(e) The daily rate of maternity benefit payable in respect of confinement occurring or expected to occur during any benefit period shall be equal to the standard benefit rate in respect of the insured woman during the corresponding contribution period, rounded to the next higher rupee.