I'm a freelancer/self-employed: what rights do I have during pregnancy and after the birth?

The basics: The Maternity Protection Act (Mutterschutzgesetz) only applies to employees. For self-employed women there is no statutory maternity leave and no employer top-up. The government is planning a rule for self-employed women, but it is not in force yet.

With statutory health insurance: If you are a voluntary member of a Krankenkasse and have chosen the sick pay option (Krankengeld), you receive maternity pay equal to your Krankengeld for 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth. It is important to choose this option in good time, before you get pregnant. Without it, you usually get no payment.

With private health insurance: Privately insured self-employed women do not get maternity pay from the state. If you have a daily sickness allowance policy (Krankentagegeld), the insurer has to cover your lost income during the protection periods before and after the birth. Check your contract for waiting periods.

Elterngeld: Self-employed parents can get Elterngeld too. It is usually calculated from your profit in the last completed tax year before the birth. While receiving Elterngeld you can work up to 32 hours a week. Any maternity pay you receive is deducted from Elterngeld for the same months.

Tip: If you are planning a pregnancy, talk to your health insurer early, set aside a reserve and plan your invoices. Artists and writers may also be entitled to Krankengeld through the Künstlersozialkasse.