China is accelerating maternity allowance reform as 25 provincial-level regions prepare to directly distribute maternity allowances to individuals starting November 1. This marks a major policy shift aimed at simplifying access to benefits and creating a more childbirth-friendly society.
According to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), the reform will cover nearly 90 percent of all social insurance pooling regions. Provinces including Jiangxi, Anhui, and Shaanxi have already begun direct payments to individuals. Meanwhile, Liaoning and Jiangsu will start their rollout in November, further expanding the maternity allowance reform.
The NHSA stated that only a few areas, such as Beijing, Tianjin, Hunan, Guangdong, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Xinjiang, have not yet fully implemented direct payments. However, the administration plans to promote the system nationwide and simplify disbursement procedures for childcare subsidies.
Previously, employers acted as intermediaries, receiving funds from healthcare agencies before distributing them to employees. This system often caused delays and mismanagement, leaving some women unable to access their benefits promptly. Under the maternity allowance reform, funds will now be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ social security cards or bank accounts.
Experts view this change as a critical advancement in labor rights and gender equality. Demography expert He Yafu said direct payments precisely protect women’s rights and ease family financial pressures. He emphasized that direct transfers prevent deductions or misuse by employers, ensuring women receive full payments on time.
Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the Capital University of Economics and Business, noted that this reform helps reduce hiring discrimination. Employers will no longer bear the financial burden of paying maternity leave benefits in advance, which often discouraged the hiring of female workers.
Furthermore, the reform benefits China’s growing group of flexible workers. Many gig workers, such as delivery drivers and freelancers, lack traditional employers. By enabling direct transfers, the system guarantees that these workers also receive full maternity benefits through the national insurance framework.
NHSA data showed that in 2024, China spent 143.18 billion yuan on maternity insurance benefits. The average maternity allowance per insured woman exceeded 26,000 yuan. However, experts believe current payments still lag behind the rising costs of childbirth and childcare.
Jiang added that as China’s economy strengthens, authorities are expected to adjust maternity benefits dynamically. This would encourage more births and support the country’s long-term demographic stability.
Ultimately, the maternity allowance reform underscores China’s commitment to building a fairer and more efficient social security system for women, families, and the modern workforce.
