Spanish Child Allowance

From July 2007 all babies born or adopted in Spain are entitled to a one off payment of €2,500 providing the mother can prove she has lived here for two years and contributed to the system during that time.

The money is paid to the mother, except in the event of her  death where the money would be  given to the father. In the case of adoption one parent would be eligible to claim the payment, which is usually the mother except for same sex couples.

Working mothers are eligible for sixteen weeks paid maternity leave which may be taken before or after delivery. This is increased by two weeks for each child in the event of a multiple birth from the second baby. Fathers are entitled to paternity leave as a shared part of the mother's maternity leave. If there are complications for either the baby or the mother the father is entitled to a longer period of  leave.

Working mothers are also entitled to a monthly family allowance payment for child care providing they have a full time employment contract.  Application for this monthly benefit automatically generates an application for the one off €2,500 childbirth benefit. To apply you should contact your local Social Security office (Seguridad Social).