(1) The State may pay an amount equivalent to the ordinary wages for the period of the relevant leave (hereinafter referred to as “maternity leave benefits, etc.”) to employees who meet certain requirements and who have taken paternity leave under Article 18-2, fertility treatment leave under Article 18-3, or maternity leave or miscarriage or stillbirth leave under Article 74 of the Labor Standards Act. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012; Aug. 27, 2019; May 26, 2020; Oct. 22, 2024>
(2) Maternity leave benefits, etc. paid under paragraph (1) shall be deemed paid by an employer, within the limit of such amount, under Article 18-2 (1), the main clause of Article 18-3 (1), or Article 74 (4) of the Labor Standards Act. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012; Aug. 27, 2019; Oct. 22, 2024>
(3) Expenses necessary for paying maternity leave benefits, etc. may be borne by State finances or by social insurance under the Framework Act on Social Security. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012>
(4) If an employee intends to obtain maternity leave benefits, etc., the employer shall fully cooperate in all procedures, such as preparing and verifying the relevant documents. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012; Aug. 27, 2019>
(5) Matters necessary for the requirements, period, and procedures for the payment of maternity leave benefits, etc. shall be prescribed by a separate statute. <Amended on Feb. 1, 2012>[This Article Wholly Amended on Dec. 21, 2007][Title Amended on Feb. 1, 2012; Aug. 27, 2019]