Increase in maternity benefits

In 1988, a new system of increased maternity benefits was introduced in Iceland. Allowances of Kr 17,370 are payable for four months as of 1988 and allowances of Kr 19,489 are payable for five months as of 1989. Allowances are payable for an additional month in the case of multiple births and for six months if the child is seriously ill. Moreover, a daily maternity benefit (Kr 817 in 1989) is payable, if the mother was employed for at least 1032 hours in the previous year; half that amount is payable if the mother was employed for between 516 and 1031 hours during the previous year. The daily allowance may be paid to the father from the second month onward, if he takes leave to look after the child.