Parents born between 1952 and 1961 who stopped working to raise a family will receive social security parental credit for those years as part of the ongoing pension reform.

From January 1, parents – especially women – born between January 1, 1952 and December 31, 1961, who stopped working to bring up their children will receive parental credit for those years.

Since, the number of years of required social security contributions for this age bracket increased to 35 years, the need was felt that such people would benefit proportionally from what parents born after January 1962 enjoyed.

As a result, parents born between January 1952 and December 1961 will receive parental credits of one year for a child and two years for a disabled child. To qualify for the scheme, parents will have to start working again.

There are 10 childcare centres around Malta and Gozo and another four are being built in Naxxar, San Ġwann, Gżira and Żurrieq.

Parents who send their children to childcare centres will continue to benefit from up to €1,300 in tax deduction. Almost 2,400 parents took advantage of this benefit.

Women who return to work after five years or after having children will still be able to enjoy one year tax free status.

The maternity leave for women will increase to 18 weeks. Last year, it was raised to 16 weeks from 14.

Throughout this legislature, the Government launched a series of initiatives to help Maltese families achieve a better work-life family balance.