The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) recently held an informational session at the General Accident Hospital "Ceibal" to inform affiliates about the benefits of its Illness, Maternity, and Accidents Program (EMA). The program provides medical care to help maintain, prevent, or restore the health of affiliates and offers financial compensation during periods when work is suspended due to illness, maternity, or accidents.
During the session, staff from the hospital's Social Work Department explained that in cases of illness, IGSS pays two-thirds of an affiliate’s daily salary for the duration of their temporary work suspension. Licenciada Yoselin Aideé Juárez clarified that for maternity cases, "the affiliate receives 100% of her daily salary corresponding to her prenatal and postnatal rest."
In situations involving spontaneous or therapeutic abortion, a financial benefit is provided for up to 27 days from the date of the event if temporary incapacity is declared. For accidents, IGSS also grants monetary benefits equal to two-thirds of the daily salary during temporary work suspension.
Additionally, IGSS offers funeral expense support—known as a mortuary quota—in cases where an affiliate dies due to illness, maternity complications, or accident. This benefit also applies if a spouse or partner passes away due to pregnancy-related complications.
Licenciada Edna Violeta Díaz Reyes outlined eligibility requirements for EMA benefits: "Among the requirements are having current employment status at the time of risk and four credited contributions in the six months prior to incapacity." For accidents specifically, current employment status and at least three contributions in the last six months are required. For maternity leave benefits, four contributions within six months before incapacity and current employment status are necessary.
Brenda Ávila, an affiliate who suffered a fall while commuting to work, expressed gratitude for IGSS’s attention. Evelyn Velásquez—a mother whose daughter was recently involved in a traffic accident—emphasized how important it is for affiliates to understand their benefits. She thanked organizers for providing information sessions and encouraged authorities to continue these educational efforts.
Informational brochures were distributed during the event so attendees could better understand their rights and responsibilities under EMA coverage.
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