Labor ministry proposes caps for spousal miscarriage leave benefits

The labor ministry said it has proposed a maximum benefit of 252,630 won for the first three days of new leave for workers whose spouses suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth. The policy would take effect Sept. 18.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor is seeking public comment until Sept. 14 on the revision, which follows amendments that rename spousal childbirth leave and introduce pay for spouse miscarriage and stillbirth leave. The ministry said the new leave was established as a care leave to help the affected spouse's physical and mental health recovery. Workers at priority-support companies would receive benefits equal to 100 percent of their ordinary wages for the first three paid days.

The renamed spousal childbirth leave would offer 20 days of paid leave from 50 days before an expected birth until 120 days afterward. Its proposed benefit cap would be 1,684,210 won for the 20-day period, and would be calculated by the number of days for shorter payment periods.

For maternity leave and leave following a miscarriage or stillbirth, the proposed cap is 6.6 million won ($4,781) for 90 days, rising to 8.8 million won ($6,374) for 120 days of leave in multiple pregnancies. It would be 7,333,330 won for 100 days of maternity leave after premature birth. The plan would also limit fertility-treatment leave benefits to 168,420 won for the first two days, or 84,210 won for one day. For spousal miscarriage and stillbirth leave, caps would be 168,420 won for the first two days or 84,210 won for one day. The revised notice would remain valid through Dec. 31.