Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the maximum period for which a woman is entitled to maternity benefit, in the case of a woman having fewer than two surviving children, is what duration?

Section 59 of the Code on Social Security, 2020 provides that the maximum period for which a woman is entitled to maternity benefit is twenty-six weeks, of which not more than eight weeks shall precede the expected date of her delivery. However, in the case of a woman who already has two or more surviving children, the maximum period is reduced to twelve weeks, of which not more than six weeks shall precede the expected date of delivery. Maternity benefit is payable at the rate of the average daily wage for the period of the woman's actual absence. These provisions carry forward the enhanced maternity protection introduced by the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.