Updated on February 21, 2024
Discover the specifics of Maternity Benefit in Ireland: When is it paid out? How much is the payment? Who is eligible? What are the recent changes? This information is crucial for women preparing for childbirth, as the government provides this support to help manage expenses during pregnancy. This article offers comprehensive insights into Maternity Benefit Ireland for those interested in applying.
Maternity Benefit Ireland
Maternity Benefit is provided as part of the Social Insurance (PRSI) scheme, aiming to assist women on leave from work during pregnancy. Both employees and self-employed individuals are eligible to receive this benefit. It’s crucial for recipients to apply for the benefit during the first trimester of pregnancy. The benefit covers various pregnancy-related expenses and continues to be issued until the woman returns to work.
Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave and can additionally apply for 16 weeks of post-maternity leave. Eligibility for maternity benefit requires sufficient Social Security Insurance contributions. Candidates must ensure timely payment of tax returns and have no outstanding dues during the maternity benefit period.
Maternity Benefit Payment Amount 2024
The maternity benefit amount is determined by both the duration of the candidate’s leave and their income. It’s calculated based on the candidate’s monthly expenditure. The standard maternity benefit rate is €201.45 per week, and it covers a period of 66 weeks of maternity leave.
Self-employed candidates not paying national insurance are eligible to receive maternity benefit ranging from €31.54 to €201.45 per week, with a duration of 39 weeks. On the other hand, candidates contributing to national insurance will receive a minimum amount of €201.45 per week.
What Day is the Maternity Benefit Paid?
Maternity benefit payments are scheduled according to the duration of the leave. For a leave period of 39 weeks, the amount is disbursed within the first month. However, for leaves exceeding 40 weeks, the payment is spread out over 12 weeks.
The standard maternity benefit amount is typically issued every 2 to 4 weeks via direct deposit. Candidates who have fulfilled the PRSI conditions will receive the deposit the day after their leave commences.
Maternity Benefit Eligibility 2024
To qualify for maternity benefit, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, outlined below:
- Candidates must be employed but not receiving Statutory Maternity Pay.
- Those who have recently ceased employment are also eligible.
- Women must have been employed for a minimum of 26 weeks.
- Self-employed individuals must pay Class 2 National Insurance, including Voluntary National Insurance, to be eligible.
- The minimum weekly earnings threshold for candidates is €35.05.
- Women involved in their spouses’ businesses are also eligible to receive the benefit.
Eligibility for maternity benefit requires mandatory PRSI contributions. Candidates who are members of the defense force must pay PRSI-H Insurance, as they are entitled to receive military pay during maternity leave.
How to Claim the Maternity Benefit Ireland?
Candidates can apply for maternity benefit once they have been pregnant for 26 weeks. They have the option to download the maternity benefit application form from the official website and submit it offline. The required documents to claim the benefit typically include:
- Proof of income, such as employment salary slips.
- MATB1 certificate indicating the baby’s due date.
- SMP1 form if candidates have not applied for Statutory Maternity Pay.
- Details about the partner’s self-employment and their involvement.
- Birth certificate of the baby if claiming the benefit after the baby is born.
Candidates who have successfully registered and are eligible to receive the allowance will receive an SMS notification confirming their enrollment.
Maternity Benefit New Changes 2024
Modifications have been made to allow fathers to apply for maternity leave as well. Fathers can now apply for a 2-week leave during the birth of the baby. In unfortunate circumstances where the mother passes away during labor, the father can apply for the first 6 months of the baby’s delivery.
Fathers can apply for the benefit and will be paid based on their income and the expenses related to foster care. However, they cannot postpone their leave. The benefit is primarily provided to mothers, who have the option to postpone their leaves or apply for additional leave.