Shanghai has introduced a new social insurance subsidy policy aimed at supporting female employees during maternity leave and alleviating labor costs for employers. Effective January 1, 2025, employers in Shanghai who comply with local maternity leave regulations will be eligible to receive a subsidy covering 50% of the social insurance premiums paid for female employees on maternity or childbirth leave.
Policy Overview
The subsidy is applicable for a period of six months, beginning in the month of childbirth. It covers employer contributions to the following social insurance categories:
- Pension Insurance
- Medical Insurance (including Maternity Insurance)
- Unemployment Insurance
- Work-Related Injury Insurance
To qualify, employers must:
- Grant the full statutory maternity leave of 158 days
- Continue paying social insurance premiums for the employee throughout the leave
- Submit the application within one year after the employee’s maternity leave concludes
The subsidy applies regardless of whether the child is the employee’s first, second, or subsequent child. In addition to financial support, the policy encourages employers to establish “childbirth-friendly positions” that offer flexible work arrangements for mothers returning to the workforce.
This initiative is designed to reduce employment-related costs, promote female employment, and foster a family-friendly corporate culture in Shanghai. The policy will remain in effect until July 17, 2030.
Application Procedure
Employers may apply for the maternity leave social insurance subsidy by following these steps:
- Timely Submission
Applications must be submitted within one year following the conclusion of the employee’s maternity leave. - Required Documentation
Employers must provide the social insurance subsidy application form and the child’s birth certificate to the local Human Resources and Social Security Office in the district where the company is registered. Birth certificate verification may be conducted via data-sharing mechanisms to reduce administrative burden. - Digital-First Processing
Applications are primarily handled through the One-Stop Online Government Service Platform (一网通办), minimizing the need for in-person visits and streamlining the process. - Review and Disbursement
The district bureau will verify social insurance records and birth data, review the application within 20 working days, and confirm the subsidy amount. Approved funds—equivalent to 50% of the employer’s social insurance contributions for six months—will be transferred directly to the employer’s bank account. - Special Cases: Dispatched Workers
For dispatched employees, the dispatch agency is responsible for submitting the application and transferring the subsidy to the wage-paying company.
Processing Timeline and Tracking
The approval process typically takes up to 20 working days from the date of application submission. Employers can monitor the status of their application via the One-Stop Online Government Service Platform. Once approved, the subsidy is disbursed directly into the employer’s bank account, with most payments completed within approximately one month, provided all documentation is in order.
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