Among the benefits offered by the government to women is the Rural Maternity Allowance. This benefit is intended for rural workers who have given birth to or adopted a child. 

Amount and installments 

The amount of the benefit is based on the current minimum wage and can be paid in 4 to 6 installments, depending on the case. 

Who can receive the benefit? 

The Rural Maternity Allowance is intended for rural workers who are in the postpartum or adoption period. Unlike other benefits, it does not require social security contributions, but it does require proof of at least ten months of rural work. 

Required documentation 

To apply for the benefit, you need to provide proof of rural employment through the following documents: 

• Work permit with CLT registration; 
• Own agricultural contracts or those of family members; 
• Agricultural partnership contracts; 
• Invoices or other documents proving the sale or deposit of the crop in cooperatives; 
• Copies of invoices for purchases or inputs for agricultural activities; 
• Copy of your tax return with completed rural activity forms; 
• Copies of payment of the social contribution on the turnover of agricultural products; 
• Proof of registration and rural taxes such as ITR, DIAT and DIAC; 
• Copy of school transcript or proof of enrollment in a rural school. 

In addition, the worker can use certificates and other documents proving her work in the field. 

How to Apply for the Benefit 

To apply for the benefit, access the Meu INSS app or schedule an appointment by calling 135. When applying, have all the documentation proving your rural work and the following basic documents at hand: 

• RG; 
• CPF; 
• Work permit (if available); 
• Children's birth certificates; 
• Marriage certificate; 
• Proof of prenatal medical care; 
• Self-declaration of rural worker; 
• Court documents relating to the adoption that determine the custody of the child or adolescent. 

Application steps 

1. Log in with your Gov.br account; 
2. Click on "New Order"; 
3. Search for "Maternity Pay" and select "Rural Maternity Pay"; 
4. Update the data if necessary; 
5. Fill in the information and attach the required documentation; 
6. Enter the child's birth certificate details, if available; 
7. Fill in the applicant's details; 
8. Answer the questionnaire on the child's work and birth situation; 
9. Attach all the documents requested; 
10. Select your nearest INSS office; 
11. Fill in the rural self-declaration digitally. 

What to do if the benefit is denied? 

It can take around 45 days to process the application. If the benefit is denied, a new application can be made. It is advisable to seek help from a specialist to understand the reason for the denial, which may be due to a lack of documentation, inconsistencies in the information, among others. 

How do I receive the approved amount? 

If the benefit is approved, the amount will be available for withdrawal in a few days. How it is received varies depending on whether the worker is employed or not. 

• For employed women: The employer pays the benefit and the INSS reimburses the amount. The benefit will be deposited in the same account where the salary is paid. 
• For unemployed women: Insured status is maintained by the INSS. The benefit will be available after the date of receipt of the INSS Grant Letter, which includes information on the grant, amount, installments and withdrawal location. 

Follow the entire process via "Meu INSS" to access this information.